TOMATIN DISTILLERY TOUCHES DOWN WITH NEW TRAVEL RETAIL RANGE  

The Highland distillers are voyaging into the world of duty free having launched a series of new and exclusive whiskies available now in airports across Europe.

Making the most of captive holiday makers, the brand’s travel retail offerings are currently checking in to travel hubs initially around Europe, to be followed by the USA and Asia over the next few years.  The age statement collection comprises the distillery’s flagship 12 year old and three travel retail exclusive editions: an 8 year old, a 15 year old and a rare 40 year old vintage.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director commented:

‘We have been working on a strategy to establish our presence in the travel retail market for some time now in response to growing demand for Tomatin single malt on a global level.  While the majority of Scotch brands have elected to present no-age statement duty free ranges, our collection of age statement whiskies provides a point of difference. This is a priority market for us as it provides an introduction to Tomatin for thousands of globe-trotters so we wanted to create a range that caters for all tastes and budgets, whether you’re a whisky novice or a high-end collector.

The range is already en route to several airports and we look forward to seeing the brand in airports across Europe over the coming months.  There’s great potential in each of these markets and we hope that the success we have seen recently with our core range will be mirrored within travel retail, with sales of the core Tomatin range increasing dramatically over the past few years.  We have seen sales growth of 60% in our branded goods over the last 4 years and currently exports make up 92% of our business.  It’s an encouraging sign for the future.’

World-renowned whisky connoisseur Charles MacLean has already sampled the range and described it as: ‘First rate, with an elegant sweet and spicy flavour profile across all the ages.’

Introducing the series is the 8 year old, matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks.  The nose has aromas of vanilla-sweetened baked apples and pears developing into deeper dark fruit flavours, gently balanced with ginger and cinnamon for a sweet and spicy finish. Bottled at a strength of 40% with an RRP of 35 Euro.

The Tomatin 12 Year Old is a 1 Litre version of the distiller’s flagship malt which has an array of accolades including a double gold from the San Francisco World Spirits competition 2016. With an ABV of 43% and an RRP of 41.50 Euro.

Next up to board the range is the 15 year old, matured in North American Oak.  Light and fresh on the nose, charming citrus fruits are well balanced with emerging honey and toffee flavours, lingering softly on the palate for some time. Bottled at a strength of 46%, the limited edition retails at 55 Euro.

The final expression is a 40 year old malt matured in Oloroso Sherry casks.  According to the distillery this is a smooth and rounded triumph of dark and tropical fruits resulting in a big and fruity finish with just a touch of oak.  Charles MacLean described this mature malt as ‘a highly distinguished whisky with a long, warming spirit’. Retailing at a price of 1250 Euro and bottled at 43%.

In addition to Tomatin single malt, the range will also include a 1 Litre bottle of Standard Edition Cù Bòcan.  This is the distillery’s only peated expression originally launched in 2013.  The spirit was recently awarded a silver at the prestigious IWSC 2016 awards.

For more information about the Travel Retail range visit http://www.tomatin.com/.

Notes

For more information about the Tomatin Distillery contact Shelagh Considine, Communications Executive on 01463 248 148 , 07970908111 ,shelagh@tomatin.com.

1. The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
2. Website: http://www.tomatin.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

3. The packaging was designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd – award-winning design agency
4. Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
5. The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
6. Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
7. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

Lagavulin™  launches limited edition 2016 Jazz bottling

Lagavulin today launches its brand new limited edition single malt Scotch whisky release, Lagavulin™ Islay Jazz Festival 2016.
6,000 bottles are being produced following the popularity of previous Jazz festival bottlings. The whisky is a blend of refill American oak hogsheads and first fill American oak standard barrels. Available only for personal callers at thedistillery from September 9th, 2016.

Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at Lagavulin distillery adds: “This year’s limited edition is extra special. It encapsulates 200 years of Lagavulin and one of our busiest and best times on Islay – the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival.”

The release of the limited edition Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2016 boasts notes of honey and fresh fruit, delivering syrupy harmonies on the palate, but ending with the classic Lagavulin smoke. Once mixed with water, the whisky presents more vanilla notes on the nose and the signature Lagavulin smoke moves front of stage.

2016 is a special year for Lagavulin and this bottling joins Lagavulin 8 Year Old and Lagavulin 25 Year Old to celebrate the bicentenary year. Another great reason to celebrate 200 years of Islay’s most famous whisky.

RRP: £99
ABV: 54.5%
Available from: only available from Lagavulin distilleryin brief… sweet and smoky on the nose with a taste of creamy toffee and fruit alongside signature smoke.

We feel like explorers this month travelling to exotic, idyllic, faraway places without moving.  The September Outturn is a journey for the senses bringing a bountiful selection of daydreamer drams – 7 new single cask whiskies to be carried away with.

CASK No. 44.71  INVIGORATING AND INSPIRING

11 years old; refill barrel; 58.3%; Spicy & sweet

Aromas of an old-fashioned dunnage warehouse created a zen like ambience and with the surprisingly snowballing chili heat on the palate, we felt truly invigorated. Water released a bunch of freesias and on the taste it was all about perfect balance.

CASK No. 36.97  GINGER PASSIONFRUIT TRIFLE

18 years old; refill barrel; 57.9%; Spicy & sweet

Bouquet of bright coloured flowers and autumn berry crumble were the aromas with the taste of a full flavoured IPA; sweet, citric and ginger in perfect balance. Water added an exotic fruity, floral dimension and in the finish a passionfruit trifle.

CASK No. 77.42  PORTUGUESE CUSTARD TARTS

14 years old; 2nd fill Sauternes hogshead; 58.4%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Juicy fruit chewing gum, mint toffees and orange flavoured toothpaste were replaced by sweet porridge aromas neat, whilst in the taste we discovered spicy eggnog. Water added poached pears and Portuguese custard tarts. This whisky previously inhabited an ex-bourbon hogshead.

CASK No. 71.42  SINBAD PREPARING FOR A JOURNEY

17 years old; refill butt; 57.5%; Spicy & dry

The nose has crème brûlée, smoky bacon crisps, pork crackling and patchouli; an old-fashioned boat-builder’s yard, and Eastern rugs. The palate is big, tasty and dark – treacle cake, caramel popcorn, chili chocolate, caramelized apples with pork; beef jerky, leather and cigars.

CASK No. 3.261  RECORD SHOP AT THE RACES

14 years old; refill hogshead; 55.7%; Lightly peated

Lavender buttonholes and Parma Violets candies. Vinyl and fake leather jackets. Pit lanes at Le Mons: overalls and leather seats. Smoked ham and tobacco. Damp tweed and scorched heather.  A burnt twig used a dipstick. Red vinyl in a mahogany chest.

CASK No. 33.143  THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT

8 years old; 2nd fill butt; 59.9%; Peated

Big licks of maple bacon, sticky pulled pork over hickory smoke. Tropical fruit kebabs roasted over white hot coals. ‘Properly good smoke!’ Charred pork crackling with a Bloody Mary. Blood oranges in a smoky greenhouse.

CASK No. 53.234  SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE

16 years old; refill hogshead; 64.1%; Heavily peated

Smoked bacon, smoked sea salt, smoked salmon, smoked scallops and smoked brown sugar. The taste neat had a chili heat and plenty of big, deep and penetrating – smoke. Water released smoked plum lemonade and Arbroath smokies with cream and mustard.

SMWS Canada

Springbank 18 Year Old

Hitting the shelves of Loch Fyne today is an 18 year old expression from our favourite distillery down the road: Springbank. This Campbeltown Single Malt will tempt you in with its delicious nose and hold your attention as the palate unfolds.

Rich and creamy vanilla, ripe fruits and marzipan on the nose, thick and oily in the mouth with mellow fruit notes giving way to sweet liquorice and aniseed before a long smoky tingle on the finish.

£110 Buy Now

Limited to one per customer

Milroys of Soho launches new brand and four exclusive whiskies under its own label

Milroys of Soho, London’s oldest whisky specialist has unveiled its new branding – its first rebrand in more than 50 years – and has launched four exclusive new whiskies under this new label.

The four whiskies comprise three single cask editions from well-known distilleries, and one eight year-old exclusive Milroys blend. The single cask expressions are available exclusively at Milroys and are an Ardmore 2008, Glentauchers 2007 and Blair Athol 1988.

The launch of the brand and own-label whiskies from Milroys of Soho represents the next step in Milroys’ dedication to the knowledge and craft that go into making and selling the very best whisky.

They are a result of the team tirelessly trying hundreds of cask samples and settling on four whiskies that they are proud to put their name to.

The eight year-old blend (£29.95 tbc), exclusive to Milroys, is suited to anyone from whisky experts to first time drammers, and is made from a blend of scotch specially chosen by the team.

Nose: Rich and powerful dark fruits with hint of vanilla.

Palate: Initial sweetness is dominant. Notes of clotted cream are then apparent, followed by rich sultanas with a touch of kiln embers to finish.

Finish: Smooth with a good balance of European oak spice and sweet barley notes.

The Ardmore 2010 (£42.95 tbc) was bottled this year aged in an ex-Bourbon cask. With only 272 bottles available, this whisky is for fans of the Ardmore distillery.

Nose: Expect gentle smoke and earthy undertones, coupled with a soft caramel base and ripe tropical fruits.

Palate: Soft hint of salinity, gentle smoke with overtones of honey, sweet, earthy barley notes and vanilla.

Finish: Intense malty notes interplay with peat reek. The finish is semi-sweet with floral and smoky richness.

The Glentauchers 2008 (£52.95 tbc) bottled this year, aged in an ex-Vendamina Sherry cask is a rich and complex whisky and yet perfect for any whisky drinker. Only 769 bottles of the Glentauchers 2008 will be available.

 Nose: Powerful nose reminiscent of Christmas. Think dried fruits and chocolate, with soft cloves.

Palate: Intense and powerful, fruit forward.

Finish: The initial fruit sweetness evolves to the spicy, chocolate notes seen on the nose. Lingering cinnamon spice.

Finally the Blair Athol 1988 (£124.95 tbc) bottled this year was aged in an ex-Bourbon cask and is an exceptionally special and rare whisky given its age and cask finish. Only 208 bottles of this whisky will be available.

Nose: Sourdough bread interplays with vanilla richness, there is a small hint of thyme when left to open in the glass.

Palate: Buttery orchard fruits, combined with savoury notes.

Finish: Creaminess is dominant with hints of green apples and pears, followed by a soft lemongrass undertone.

Milroys CEO, simo, comments:

‘We’re really proud to put our names to these four brilliant whiskies which are all distinguished and special in their own way. It’s not been an easy task but we think we have four whiskies that would suit anyone from a total novice to whisky expert.’

The new Milroys brand was created by branding and design agency Good, and will be reflected across a new-look store and shopfront for Milroys iconic Soho location; the four new whiskies, a brand new website, and all Milroys marketing materials.

The four new whiskies will be available from September 29^th exclusively from Milroys of Soho’s Greek Street Shop and http://shop.milroys.co.uk/.

Milroys of Soho features a shop and tasting bar on the ground floor and basement 55 seat cocktail bar, known as The Vault.

Notes 

Milroy’s Of Soho

3, Greek Street,

London

W1D 4NX

T: @Milroys

I: @MilroysofSoho

Milroys of Soho

Founded in in 1964 by brothers Jack and Wallace Milroy, Milroys of Soho proudly sits as London’s oldest whisky specialist. The shop has become a whisky institution known for selling the largest selection of whisky in London, perhaps even the world. In 2014, Simo took over the shop, reinstating the cellar bar, now known as the Vault and a whisky bar on the ground floor. Simo and the team have retained Milroys excellent selection of whisky from Scotland and around the world, plus a great range of other spirits, wine and beer. The staff remain as knowledgeable and passionate as ever.

Milroy’s History and Brothers

Milroy’s of Soho was established in 1964 by John and Wallace Milroy. The Milroy brothers are credited with bringing single malt whisky from Scotland and establishing it in London. The first of its kind, it is the oldest whisky specialist and shop in London. Even before Milroy brothers took over in 1964 the space had been used as a liquor shop.

– A new twist on the sherry influenced pot still whiskey, thanks to an old friendship –

Redbreast has introduced a new, permanent expression to its decorated Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey family; Redbreast Lustau Edition. Finished in hand selected, first-fill sherry butts that are seasoned with Oloroso sherry from the prestigious Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain, this release celebrates the iconic sherry influence found throughout the Redbreast range.

Matured initially in a combination of exceptional ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, Redbreast Lustau Edition has been wholly finished for one year in prized sherry butts from Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, the sherry capital of the world.

The result is a new interpretation of the signature Redbreast character with a distinctive twist; Redbreast Lustau Edition offers a nose of dark fruits, prunes and marzipan, a luxuriously rich and creamy texture on the palate with iconic Redbreast spices, and a long, sweet finish complemented by notes of Spanish oak and Oloroso sherry.

With a shared history and kinship for excellence, Redbreast Lustau Edition has been born out of the longstanding relationship between the Midleton Distillery, County Cork, and the unrivalled sherry house, Bodegas Lustau. The unique bond between these two houses was established decades ago, built upon mutual respect for craft production processes, tradition and camaraderie.

Crafted to the exacting standards of Midleton Head Blender, Billy Leighton, Redbreast Lustau Edition is a permanent addition to the Redbreast range. Bottled at 46% ABV and without chill-filtration, Redbreast Lustau Edition is available from this month at the following RRPs; Canada, $90; France, €65; Ireland, €69; and UK, £55. It will also be available in the United States from October 1st 2016, at RRP $69.

On the launch of Redbreast Lustau Edition, Leighton comments: “With Redbreast Lustau Edition we seized the opportunity to celebrate the iconic sherry influence on the Redbreast range, and to do this we turned to our old friends at Bodegas Lustau to source the finest Oloroso sherry casks in the world. I am honoured to be able to finally reveal Redbreast Lustau Edition to the world as it represents the mutual bond, based on our commitment to excellence in craftsmanship, which we have built over time with Bodegas Lustau. Language is no barrier to this marriage of Spanish and Irish craft, and the result is an exceptional new Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey that champions the iconic sherry influence of the Redbreast range, and I hope that whiskey drinkers the world over enjoy it.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Prestige Whiskey Portfolio Director at Irish Distillers, adds: “We are delighted to introduce a fifth, permanent expression to the Redbreast range as it demonstrates the appetite among whiskey connoisseurs and spirits aficionados alike for new, innovative and diverse Irish Whiskey offerings. Since we re-launched the brand in 2011, it has gone from strength to strength and we are committed to spreading word of Redbreast around the world as the Irish Whiskey renaissance continues.

“Our work on Redbreast is part of a wider commitment from Irish Distillers to lead the revival of the quintessential Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey style and Irish Whiskey in general, to educate whiskey fans about the breadth and quality that the category has to offer.”

#RedbreastLustau

Notes

Tasting notes by Midleton Head Blender, Billy Leighton:

Nose: Rich infusion of dark fruits, prunes, dates and figs with liquorice, marzipan, toasted oak and Redbreast spices T

aste: Creamy pot still with Redbreast spices balanced with richness of sherry finish and contribution of fresh Spanish oak

Finish: Endless. Sweetness and Pot Still spices endure while Oloroso Sherry and Spanish Oak have the last word

About Bodegas Lustau

The origins of Lustau date back to 1896, when Mr. José Ruiz-Berdejo, a secretary to the Court of Justice, started cultivating the vines of the family’s state in his spare time. With more than 100 years of history since it was founded, its philosophy has not changed: the pursuit of the highest quality in its offer of the widest and finest range of products. With ageing cellars in each of the three towns that make up the Sherry area (Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda), Lustau offers a huge portfolio formed by wines, brandies and vermouth. www.lustau.es

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 5 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare. www.irishdistillers.ie

 About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernodricard.com

NOW IN COPPER-ORANGE, SILVER AND GUNMETAL GREY

We’ve created new packaging for the 10 Year Old and 12 Year Old. You’ll find the same precious whisky inside, now wrapped to match its bold and complex flavours.

THE 10 YEAR OLD

A nod to our three copper pot stills, the 10 Year Old’s copper-orange foil and goose feather pattern is bright and bold.

THE 12 YEAR OLD

Gunmetal grey. A flash of silver. The 12 Year Old’s new packaging is rich and intense – just like the whisky.

Buy now >

DON’T WORRY…

the whisky remains the same great tasting Glengoyne we know you love.

Slainte!

Robbie Hughes
Distillery Manager

Glengoyne Distillery,Dumgoyne, Near Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB

Tel. +44 (0)1360 550 254

Arriving soon into Australia is the Box whisky 2nd Step Release number 02. With a complex taste and sherry cask influence this whisky is a show case of the high standard that the Box Distillery produces from the High Coast of Sweden.

Alongside Box whisky we also specialise in other Nordic whiskies such as Floki, Mackmyra, Teerenpeli and occasionally some Stauning and Braunstein.

Sigrun Whisky is Australia’s largest retailer for Nordic whisky

We’re back from Kentucky this week, refreshed and rested after three days of serious Bourbon sampling. We’ve got some great casks lined up for late Fall and mid-Winter, plus you can read about our additional adventures on the Spirits Blog. For those of you who don’t check the blog regularly, I would recommend either checking it more frequently or adding your email to the RSS feed because moving forward we’ll usually feature new whiskey releases there before sending an email. If you want to get the jump on what’s next, checking in with the blog will give you the best possible chance of being first in line. For example, we featured these new releases this past Friday:

NEW RARITIES FROM CAMPBELTOWN

We just snagged our annual single cask allocation from the distillery’s 18+ year old rarities, as well as from the company’s independent bottling arm Cadenhead. Those who went gaga for that 26 year old sherry cask of Highland Park a while back can now rejoice in the arrival of its sister barrel: a 28 year butt of magnificence with two additional years of maturation! We’ve got multiple Springbanks to show you, as well has a rare single cask of Hazelburn: Springbank’s triple-distilled delight. There’s not much available (surprise, surprise), but the quality is there and fans of Campeltown should be pleased. Springbank is also one of the only distilleries whose official single casks are always cheaper than the independent ones. Our 18 year old sherry butt cask of Springbank 18 year from Hunter Laing was $300 retail last year. Many of these less expensive by comparison and they come straight from the source, out of some of the oldest warehouses in the country.

1996 Springbank 19 Year Old Single Fresh Port #731 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky $259.99 – Bottled at 52.4%

1996 Springbank 19 Year Old Single Refill Sherry #507 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky $259.99 – Bottled at 52.8%

1996 Springbank 19 Year Old Single Rum Barrel #761 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky $249.99 – Bottled at 55.7%

1997 Springbank 19 Year Old Single Rechar Sherry #603 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky $259.99 – Bottled at 55.6%

Springbank 21 Year “Single Cask” Oloroso Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky $449.99 – Bottled at 49.8% Hazelburn

18 Year Old “#987” Cask Strength Single Cask Single Malt Whisky $229.99 – Bottled at 55.1%

Highland Park 28 Year Old “Cadenhead” Small Batch Cask Strength Single Malt Sotch Whisky $309.99 – Bottled at 55.5%

AN ADDITIONAL ULTRA MATURE GRAIN WHISKY

Another example of where it pays to check the blog is in discovering our latest arrivals from Whisky Season 2016. You may have noticed we sent out an email and newsletter about our recent single cask expressions, but there was one particular cask of ultra-mature grain whisky that we only featured on the blog due to the fact the barrel only yielded around a hundred bottles. We wanted to make sure we still had inventory when the larger and more substantial PDF version was sent out. Blog readers definitely had the heads up on this little gem: a whisky that many of us thought was even better than the 50 year old Invergordon that sold out so quickly. From a lost distillery, no less! We think this might be one of the best from this year’s haul.

1974 Garnheath 42 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Whisky $249.99 In yet another of our lost whisky collection (meaning distilleries that have since closed and/or been demolished), we bring you an absolutely stunning cask of 42 year old Garnheath, a grain whisky from the once-active distillery site inside of Inver House’s Moffat site located just east of Glasgow on the road to Edinburgh. The distillery was located next to another closed malt producing site: Glenflagler. Closed in the mid-eighties, now just a memory and a story to share amongst friends, the spirit of Garnheath lives on (literally) in this single barrel, cask strength edition bottled just for K&L. Not only is the Garnheath a lost legend, this 42 year old edition is one of the smoothest, roundest, most luxurious whiskies we’ve ever had the pleasure of selling. It rolls across the tongue effortlessly, coating the palate with rich waves of caramel, honey, and maple syrup. In classic grain whisky style, there’s no maltiness or smoke here. It’s just four glorious decades of barrel maturation at work: orange zest, candied sugar, and apricot. A true whisky classic in the making and a piece of history, to boot.

WATHEN’S SINGLE BARREL #300

While the proliferation of “new” bourbon brands continues, prescious few of these can actually claim a history in Kentucky distillation. The Medley Family is a real exception to the rule for a “non-distiller producer.” With centuries of family history in the business and Charles Medley’s decades of hands on experience at the Owensboro Distillery in northwestern Kentucky, Medley brands stand as a unique example of an old school contract distillery starkly different from the bulk brands on the market today.

Wathen’s Private Barrel K&L Wine/Chestnut Club Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon – $39.99 The Medleys are distilling royalty in Daviess County much like the Beam’s to the east, but despite ultimately purchasing the Owensboro facility that he’d worked at for years, Charles was unable to reopen it due to the heavy financial burden of refurbishment. What they have done for the last 15+ years is contract distill to the exacting specifications and build stocks of aged whiskies at extremely reasonable prices. This single cask was selected in collaboration with the exceptional Chestnut Club in Los Angeles where you can taste it before you buy, but don’t wait too long because they took half the cask which means we received just over 100 bottles of the delicious nectar. This cask of Wathen’s is on the slightly drier side of bourbon, showing incredible depth of spice and complexity. This is easily one of the best values in bourbon right now so grab it while you can.

UPCOMING WHISKY EVENTS

Coming soon for you Bay Area customers, a special whisky dinner event at Donato in Redwood City featuring up and coming Speyside distillery Benromach. I’ve been so impressed with the improvements made in the past few years to these whiskies that I think it’s worth inviting you to sit down, have some food, listen to their experts, and taste some of their amazing malts. You’ll get the full range—both peated and unpeated—and a three course meal for a mere fifty bucks! Where else can you eat and drink like this for that price? If you’re a Springbank fan, I think you’ll find a lot of similarities in the whiskies. Reserve your spot here for the October date:

Benromach Single Malt Tasting & Dinner @ Donato – Oct 5th, 7 PM – $50 As usual, send any questions our way! Until next time…

David Driscoll

K&L Spirits Buyer daviddriscoll@klwines.com 650.556.2736 http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com

Benromach Distillery releases Benromach Hermitage 2007

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has launched the latest in its Benromach Wood Finish range:  Benromach Hermitage 2007.

Initially matured in bourbon barrels for six years, the spirit was transferred to oak casks that once nurtured wine from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, in the northern Rhône region of France, and finished for a further 31 months.

Benromach Hermitage Wood Finish 2007 (ABV 45%) has aromas of sweet summer fruits and zesty lemon and lime. This is followed by a touch of vanilla and cinnamon, and underlined by peat smoke with a peppermint edge. On the palate, it’s a sweet, fruity dram, with succulent dark cherry and orange flavours combining with creamy milk chocolate to create a gentle smoky edge and a long, fruity finish.

This latest whisky follows the limited edition Wood Finish expressions Hermitage 2005, Château Cissac 2006 and Sassicaia 2007.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “At Benromach we work with some of the world’s most exclusive wineries to carefully select casks for finishing.

“The Benromach Hermitage 2007 is the latest release from our Wood Finishes range, which gives our customers the opportunity to experience classic Benromach with a twist.

“This Benromach dram is a delicious offering for whisky aficionados and those looking to try something new.”

Benromach is handcrafted using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery. Since the distillery was brought back to life in 1998, the team at Benromach has developed a core range of single malts with the classic pre-1960s Speyside character, and has added a range of exciting expressions, including the first certified organic whisky and a heritage range.

Benromach Hermitage 2007 is available to purchase at specialist whisky retailers with an RRP of £40.25. Prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes.

For more information on Benromach please visit http://www.benromach.com/.

Notes

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery, was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt, a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.