Highland Park, distributed by Maxxium UK, has announced the release of a special edition single malt Scotch whisky. FIRE Edition is a whisky which has been matured exclusively in refill Port wine seasoned casks and follows on from the release of ICE Edition earlier this year. This completes the two-part series of special edition bottlings which celebrate the myths and legends emerging from the Viking age.

Jason R. Craig, Brand Director, commented: “Maturing our distinctive whisky in 100% refill Port wine seasoned casks is a first for Highland Park and the result is a vibrant 15 year old single malt with an ABV of 45.2%. FIRE Edition has a natural slight reddish hue, intense aromas of ruby red fruits, light smoke and a long, lingering finish. However, it is still, unmistakably, Highland Park.”

The exquisite crimson red coloured glass was specially commissioned to represent the fierce and molten world of the Fire Giants from Viking mythology. The bottle is encased in a distinctive black wooden cradle with accompanying black wooden stopper. A booklet which accompanies the bottle, recounts the story of the realm of the Fire Giants and their epic battle against the Gods to rule the world.

According to Viking legends, Surtr was an evil Fire Giant who ruled the Fire Realm. He would sit at the edge of the kingdom, defending the land holding a burning sword, which shone brighter and hotter than the sun. The culmination of these tales is an apocalyptic battle between the Gods and the Giants. Surtr led the sons of Muspell across the bridge of Bifröst, burning everything in sight at Asgard, (realm of Gods; Thor, Loki, Freya and Odin) destroying the world at Ragnarök, heralded as ‘The doom of the Gods.’ The world perished in a blazing and burnishing ball of flames and from the ashes, a new earth was recreated.

FIRE Edition, a special release of 28,000 bottles globally, is now available from UK specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Exchange, Hedonism and The Whisky Shop at an RRP of £190.

Notes

Tasting Notes – 15 year old – 45.2% ABV

Colour: 100% refill Port wine seasoned casks result in a natural colour, resplendent glowing flames.

Nose: Vibrant and intense aromas of ruby red fruits and warm vanilla complement the firey bitter sweetness of cinnamon bark and the smouldering richness of devilishly dark chocolate.

Palate: The palate bristles of light smoke with striking zesty dried peel and temperate vanilla flavour. Intoxicating spices and the sharpness of damsons entice and enchant your taste buds.

Finish: Intensely balanced, the long, lingering sweet finish magnifies into a sizzling fruity spiciness, providing a bewitching and standout whisky to enjoy.

About Highland Park:

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 218 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection.

Distributed by The Big Partnership on behalf of Maxxium UK.

Halloween and Guy Fawkes’ have come and gone, the John Lewis advert has hit TV screens and the Coca-Cola trucks have been given their own emoji – that can only mean it’s time to start thinking about Christmas!

Wise men bear gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, but we have a better idea…

The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Gift Pack

Macallan Gold was released in 2012 as part of the 1824 range which replaced the distillery’s age-statement expressions. It was produced using 9-15 year old first fill and refill sherry casks, which has resulted in an incredibly smooth and rich single malt. One of the finest examples from the “age doesn’t matter” camp… Soft gold in colour, this is the lightest of The Macallan 1824 range, but still packed with typical Speyside Macallan flavours.

This limited edition bottling is presented in a gift pack with two glasses etched with Easter Elchies House, the spiritual home of The Macallan.

A lemon citrus nose, with zesty orange peel and oaky vanilla notes. The palate reveals a light sweet flavour, more citrus, apples and ginger spices, but is in no way overpowering. Overall a slightly sweet and malty whisky, easy-going and fresh.

£50 Buy Now

Cambus 30 Year Old 1984 Sovereign Cask # 11741 49.4%

$110.03

Vintage: 1984 ~ Cask Type: Refill Hogshead ~ Bottler: Hunter Laing & Co. ~ Region: Lowland ~ Type: Single Grain Scotch

Cambus 30 Year Old 1984 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whiskey. Single cask refill hogshead #11741 bottled August 2015 by Hunter Laing Co. for the Sovereign series. 180 numbered bottles selected and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. This golden coloured whisky has a mellow and sweet nose on custard powder, followed by sweet peaches and overripe pears. The palate is rich with vanilla and toffee and another layer of fruits and spices. It finishes long and sweet with fruits and a tad of mouth drying oak. John Moubry commissioned Cambus Distillery in 1806 at Cambus near Alloa to produce malt and grain whiskey. He was amongst a group of contemporary distillers ‘paid’ to close their works for a number of years by the Stein and Haig distilling family in order to enable the later to maintain their monopoly in the exportation of Scottish spirits into the London gin market. Cambus Distillery is a lost Lowlands grain whiskey distillery having closed in 1993 although its whiskey remains available and the site is occupied by a Diageo cask filling works. Hunter Laing Sovereign Cambus grain whiskies are extremely popular.

By now the reality has begun to fully sink in. You’re likely still commiserating or celebrating. It’s been a long, anxiety-ridden ride full of tension and fervor. To look on the bright side, regardless if you got what you wanted or not, at least it is now over. Another round of Pappy-mania is behind us! We’d like to thank all our customers who came down to celebrate the night away in hopes of getting an elusive bottle of whiskey. So on to bigger and better topics. New to the Party has some fabulous new products to share with you. Then J.O. is switching it up and sharing a quick bit of info on some awesome bar supplies in, Hey, Check This Out! After that read through Gift Set Madness for just a slice of the awesome boozy gift sets that are constantly rolling in. Finally, take a look at our upcoming Aisle Tastings to see what we’re going to be pouring for you while you shop; including info about the esteemed Taste of the World fundraiser for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society at the Newport Aquarium this Saturday! Cheers, -The Party Source Liquor Department

NEW TO THE PARTY

Redemption Barrel Proof 9yr and Redemption Barrel Proof High Rye 9yr – These are two well-aged gems from LDI, one of America’s greatest whiskey distilleries. Both are deep and rich. The bourbon has a more oily quality while the High Rye Bourbon brings a bit more spice.

Hochstadter’s Vatted Rye – Think of this as a beautiful culmination of what North America has to offer. It’s a blend of 4yr to 15yr Straight Rye Whiskies from Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Alberta. Flavors of baking spices, molasses and a kiss of spice abound. Try it in a Sazerac cocktail.

Slaughter House American Whisky – This whiskey was aged for 9 years in American oak, and then finished in French oak Napa red wine barrels. The result is a nicely layered whiskey with flavors of caramelized sugar, some red fruit, and baking spices and a kiss of roasted nuts and caramel.

Slaughter House Edge Bourbon – This is a blend of 5yr, 7yr, and 8yr bourbons from Kentucky and Tennessee. After blending it was further aged in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. It’s slightly sweet, slightly smoky, and a nice intense richness that carries on the finish.

Russell’s Reserve TPS Private Barrel – We absolutely love our Russell’s Reserve barrel picks. Eddie Russell is always a joy to taste with, and always brings some great barrels out for us. This pick is rich, bold, round, and will be great company on these cold nights.

Rabbit Hole Bourbon, Rye, and Sherry Cask Finish – These are from a super-cool new distillery in downtown Louisville, Rabbit Hole Distilling. The Bourbon is a nice, easy drinking whiskey comprised of 70% corn, 10% malted wheat and 20% malted barley. The Rye is 95% rye and made under the guidance of the King of American Rye distillation, Larry Ebersold. The Sherry Cask Finished bourbon is a five-year aged bourbon that undergoes additional aging in a PX Sherry barrel. The result is a delicious, bold, and slightly sweet bourbon that is most unique.

High West Double Rye TPS Private Barrel – High West has been recently gained some serious notoriety. Their own whiskey is near completion, and their sourced stocks of aged bourbon and rye are still as good as ever. This is a wonderful blend of old and young rye chosen specifically by us. The older rye lends great depth and complexity, the younger rye is spicy and full of vigor. Together, it’s an easy drinking and wholly wonderful whiskey.

Usquaebach Reserve and 15yr Blended Scotch – Pronounced ‘oos-ke-bah’, Usquaebach is the derivative of ‘whisky’, and translates to ‘water of life’. So there’s a little fun factoid for you. The Reserve is over 50% single malts aged 16-18 years, and the rest is fine grain whiskey. It is zesty and savory with a long finish. The 15-year-old is a blend of 15-20-year-old Highland single malts and is more tropical and sweet with a nice baking spice backbone. Both are wonderful drams that will impress novices and connoisseurs alike.

*Please note this is a generic photo

Chapter 7 Highland Single Malt Whisky 19 yr 6/750 ml 56.2% alc. RRP $180

The marriage of two selected casks from an undisclosed Highland distillery, aged for over 19 years.

The brand has snagged two Liquid Gold medals in Whisky Bible 2017, scoring 94 and 94.5 points.

“This small batch whisky and its design caught our attention and we hope it catches yours too. We’re pleased that it’s joining the ranks of ImpEx’s Independent Bottler range. It perfectly reflects ImpEx’s adoration for Scotch that’s natural color, bottled at a higher proof, and non chill-filtered. The depth behind the concept and what it represents made it an attractive choice for us. We were also drawn to Selim’s passion and enthusiasm that aligns with the philosophy of our company and those with whom we work.” – Sam Filmus

And now, about the brand…

The premise of Chapter 7 is simple – each cask of whisky is unique, and each one tells a story. The wood, age, temperature, location in the warehouse… Everything makes a difference. Two casks of a distillery filled at the same time and sitting next to each other can taste different. This is why bigger single malt brands marry casks in large vats so that the master blender can try to make the taste of the brand consistent.

Chapter 7, a Swiss brand, is the brain-child of Selim Evin. He is a world-traveling entrepreneur living in Switzerland who was inspired by his Scottish grandfather’s passion for whisky. Selim thinks that each cask should remain singular to tell its own unique story. He was taught at an early age that casks are not just vessels but they give the whisky its character and soul. So he travels to Scotland and Ireland to hand-select single casks from different distilleries. Then he custom bottles each one with its own story. Chapter 7 editions are bottled at cask strength and are non-chill-filtered to present the characteristics of the whisky untouched. It is more than a business, it is a passion.

Chapter 7’s minimalist and natural design and packaging texture attracts a trendy and younger consumer profile with design awareness. Gift buyers that represent a large proportion of whisky buyers are attracted by the minimalist design and exclusivity. Each cask is chosen by whisky connoisseurs from the trade. Some casks are from distilleries that do not have their own distillery bottlings hence are interesting as collectables. Each bottle is hand-numbered to offer personalization.

“This photo evokes memories of days gone by. Studious men seeking knowledge amongst the chaos. Much like the Malt Masters of old learning their art in the pursuit of whisky greatness, When I raise a dram, I like to think of all great men who have been involved in crafting it. From the cooper to the Malt Master and everyone in between. Slainte.” – Selim Evin

Please feel free to reach out for more details: office@impexbev.com

2016 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar 

With T-17 days until Whisky Advent, this year’s edition is more than 60% sold!

For the 3rd year in a row, Kensington Wine Market is producing its own Whisky Advent Calendar. 2014 and 2015’s editions were a huge hit, and sold out well before the start of Advent. This year’s edition is now available for purchase and pickup in store!

We are really excited about our 2016 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar. For the third straight year we have designed and built our own exclusive Whisky Advent Calendar, featuring a custom logo Glencairn glass, 24 50ml whiskies and a 100ml Christmas Day bottling from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (The Society). The Society is the world’s largest whisky club, and bottles whiskies exclusively for its members. This year’s Calendar has a single cask from the Society that has been selected and bottled exclusively for the Calendar and Canadian Society members (750ml bottles will be made available to Society members in 2017!). In collaboration with the Society’s Canadian branch, we were even given the opportunity to name the whisky… Since Society whiskies are exclusively available to Society members, this is an opportunity for non-members to get their hands on a Society whisky. Recipients of the KWM Whisky Advent Calendar will be the first people to sample this exciting new whisky!

The Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar is more than just a product for us, it is a way for us to share and connect with other whisky lovers in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada. Details on the whiskies released and their distillery will be posted on the KWM Blog each day. Recipients of the Calendar are encouraged to share their thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The KWM Whisky Advent Calendar also comes with a 10% discount card, good for any of the whiskies in the Calendar (excepting the Society whisky), subject to availability.

Order a Kensington Wine Market 2016 Whisky Advent Calendar $399.99+GST

After not speaking to you for so long, you can’t get rid of me now. This newsflash is in 2 unequal parts. Firstly, allow me to tell you all about the new Hazelburn that we have out, you may have seen it on social media. It looks very pretty.

Secondly, I will give you all a little update on the current situation regarding the recent Society release(s).

Let’s get down to business…

The Hazelburn 9yo Barolo (57.9% abv) spent 6 years in a fresh bourbon cask and then 3 years in a refill Barolo wine cask (which had previously contained Springbank).

Hazelburn Barolo Tasting Notes

NOSE: The dram begins with perfume and confectionary, then the essence of sugared almonds is revealed, complimented by the sweetness of sherbet

TASTE: Peppery with light tannins and the sweetness is continued with dry fruits and the subtle hint of coconut shavings

FINISH: Sugary, with dark chocolate guiding us throughout the pineapple custard combined with vanilla

It is available in our three UK Cadenhead shops now and elsewhere in the UK from next week onwards. Releases in other countries/markets will vary throughout the weeks ahead. Please contact your local retailers and stockists for more information, details of whom can be found by visiting www.springbankwhisky.com/distributors/.

If you would like to buy it directly from us you can contact our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop by calling +44 (0)1586 551710. I will not be taking orders for this as I am not aware of our shop’s stock or allocation.

There will be approximately 10,800 bottles available worldwide.

Some important points that you need to know:

• The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Hazelburn 9yo Barolo for £60.00.
• It will be strictly 1 per person. 
• This is not a Society exclusive bottle
• This is not considered a core product so there will be no Society discount on this bottling.

Autumn Society Release

Thank you all for your patience in waiting for a response from me regarding the Society bottlings. As many of you will know this is how things usually happen with the Society, it can take me a little time to reply to the high volume of emails I receive during this time.

As of now, all of the Longrow 14yo bottles have been allocated and I will be contacting everyone who emailed me as soon as I can. If you have not received a reply from me yet, that does not mean you have not got a bottle. It simply means I haven’t got to your email yet.

 The deadline for entering the lottery for the Springbank 15yo Jamaican Rum cask is 12 noon (GMT) on Monday. Members who attended the Society tasting at this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival do not need to enter however they do need to confirm with me that they would indeed like a bottle before the deadline.

I am sure we shall all speak soon.

Slainte,

Nathan

For the Springbank Society

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/officialspringbankwhisky/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/Springbank1828

Instagram –  Search Springbank Whisky (@springbankwhisky1828)

Please contact Nathan if you wish to join the Society

New Burns Malts …

Glentauchers 8 Year Old Burns Malt

Three new Burns Malt expressions have landed this week including Bowmore, Glenrothes and this heavily sherried monster distilled at Glentauchers distillery in Speyside. Matured in a sherry butt before being bottled October 2016. £50.40

The Glentauchers Distillery Company, comprising W.P. Lowrie a Glasgow based whiskey blender and James Buchanan a London based blender, commenced construction of Glentauchers Distillery in 1897 with distillation commencing the following year. Equipped with six stills Glentauchers Distillery is a Speyside malt whiskey distillery to be found at Mulben in Banffshire. Since production is designed primarily to generate spirit for blends of scotch official releases of Glentauchers single malt whiskey are sparse. Notwithstanding, Signatory Vintage, Gordon & MacPhail and Morrison & MacKay produce some excellent independent bottlings.

SHOP NOW >

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR WHISKY LOVERS FROM ANGELS’ SHARE GLASS

An Advent Calendar with a difference, Glencairn Glass jewellery, glass Angels and whisky-scented candles are among the range of Christmas gifts for whisky lovers available from Scottish firm Angels’ Share Glass.

• Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar

Whisky enthusiasts will love this limited edition Calendar which contains a range of 25 miniature bottles of scotch whisky as well as a glass to drink their daily dram.

The Calendar features a selection of single malts, blended malts, single grain and blended scotch whisky from a variety of independent bottlers including Wemyss Malts, Shetland Reel, The Lost Distillery Company, Secret Spirits and Single Cask Nation.

The Standard Edition costs £325 and includes a lapel pin plus a booklet featuring details on all the bottlers and with space for tasting notes on each whisky.

The Collector’s Edition costs £650 and comes in a felt-lined rosewood case as well as including a unique handmade whisky water dropper created by Angels’ Share Glass.

The Stirling firm’s co-founder and Managing Director Karen Somerville says: “Why open the doors of an advent calendar every day in December to reveal just a chocolate when you could be receiving a miniature of scotch whisky, from a top-notch independent bottler, instead?

“This is a fantastic gift for whisky lovers which adds to the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas.”

Angels’ Share Glass is the only UK stockist of the exclusive Whisky Advent Calendar which is produced by Canadian drinks company Secret Spirits.

• Glencairn Glass Jewellery

This exclusive range of Glencairn Glass jewellery features earrings, cufflinks and a whisky glass charm bracelet which are perfect for Christmas gifts.

The £20 earrings are in the shape of the iconic Glencairn Glass and come presented in a top-quality box which can be gift-wrapped.

There are also whisky glass enamel cufflinks from Glencairn Crystal which cost £25 and include a branded presentation box.

And a real talking point is the beautiful charm bracelet which features seven whisky glasses and costs £26.

Karen says: “These are great gifts for anyone who wants to wear their love for whisky on their sleeve, ears or wrists!

“The jewellery is a great talking point for special evenings out and events and the pieces all come in lovely gift boxes.”

Angels’ Share Glass also offers a gift-wrapping service from `Wrapistry by Cherene’ which includes various wrap and bow options.

• Limited Edition Rosebank Whisky Angel

This beautiful limited edition angel is filled with a rare Lowland Single Malt from the former Rosebank Distillery near Falkirk, Stirlingshire.

It’s from the Rare Malts Selection which is a collection of scarce, cask strength whiskies from Scotland’s finest distilleries.

The glass Angel would make a lovely Christmas gift for a collector with just 25 of the creations available.

Each one is handmade with a sterling silver rose, a silver halo and white wings and filled with 25ml of 20-year-old Rosebank Malt. They cost £65.

• Whisky-scented Candles, Angels and much more

Customers can browse the Angels’ Share Glass online shop for more ideas as they try to find the perfect present for whisky aficionados.

The firm’s Whisky Bottle Candles smell amazing and are a real bargain at just £30 each.

They are made using recycled whisky bottles which have been cut and filled with `Whisky Notes’ scented pure soy wax to make unique gifts which look and smell great and last for hours.

Also ideal for Christmas presents are the firm’s signature line of glass Angels which all hold a dram of whisky captured inside the glass through a secret method.

The range includes hanging decorations, a Saltire Angel, tealight stand Angel and a miniature Angel glass decanter/bottle.

Other gifts include glasses, whisky water droppers, a mini glass hipflask and candle holders.

Angels’ Share Glass is based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling and was established by glassmaker Tom Young and his daughter Karen Somerville in 2013.

The family firm specialises in unusual gifts for whisky lovers and more information can be found on the website at www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes for Editors:

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at http://www.angelsshareglass.com/

Bowmore Vaults Edition 1

The latest entry into the collector’s loft: The first edition in a new limited series from Bowmore, created to celebrate the 4 key tasting characteristics of Bowmore.

The first edition represents Bowmore’s sea salt tang in a whisky that opens out like the vast Atlantic ocean itself! Bottled at a natural cask strength of 51.5% volume, this release is expected to sell out very quickly!

Hamish says: “A well balanced whisky with more than salt to tease your tastebuds. Expect citrus, peat smoke and a rich long finish.”

£100 Buy Now

Only available while stocks last