Introducing a new core expression from Isle of Arran: Arran 18 yr old

~ Independently Owned & Independently Minded ~

THE ARRAN 18 YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT BAKED PEACHES & TOASTED ALMONDS

We are proud to present the first ever 18 year-old in Arran core range when distillery turns 21. The Arran 18 year-old is a wonderfully balanced expression of The Arran Malt which displays the tremendous depth of character of our Distillery.

Caramelised citrus and tropical notes on a background of toasted oak have created an intense, well rounded dram with charm and personality. A balanced mix of our finest aged ex-Sherry and ex-Bourbon Casks, this fully mature expression of The Arran Malt is exceptional. We are the only Distillery on the Isle of Arran and a proudly independent Scottish Company. We celebrate 18 years of independence with pride.

Tasting Notes

Color: Honeyed gold

Aroma: Baked peaches with syrup and toasted almonds. Vanilla and light cinnamon spice.

Palate: Sweetness dances on the tongue with chocolate, ginger, caramelised brown sugar and vanilla. Water uncovers floral notes and aromatic orange fondant creams.

Finish Long, lingering and luxurious. The classic Arran citrus and orchard fruits mingle with milk brioche and dark chocolate. A memorable depth of character, Arran is fully mature at 18 years-old.

RRP  $140.00

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WHISKY ANNOUNCES THE INTRODUCTION OF SUNTORY WHISKY TOKI^™ 

A Premium Blend Where Old Meets New

Deerfield, IL (June 8, 2016) – Japan is a land of contrasts and paradox: its culture holds a deep reverence for ancestry and heritage, but also a fascination with the future; and its people respect tradition, but they constantly reinvent and reinterpret the world around them. The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese Whisky, is proud to introduce a whisky that extends that thread forward: Suntory Whisky Toki™. Respectful of heritage, inspired by reinvention, Suntory Whisky Toki expresses both what is authentic and what is next. 

Suntory Whisky Toki, which launches exclusively in the U.S. this month and in Canada in July at a suggested retail price of $39.99, is a blend of carefully selected whiskies from the House of Suntory’s globally acclaimed Hakushu Distillery, Yamazaki Distillery and Chita Distillery. Traditionally crafted according to Suntory’s Art of Blending philosophy, the expression features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory blend: exquisite balance, harmony and oneness.

A VIVID BLEND, TIMELESSLY MADE

While Suntory Whisky Toki respects tradition, it also challenges whisky convention by rethinking the hierarchy of its components. Suntory blends often use Yamazaki malts as their key component. Inspired by the spirits of innovation, the House of Suntory’s fourth Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo took a fresh approach with Suntory Whisky Toki, selecting the singular Hakushu American white oak cask malt whisky — with its unique freshness, mellowness and spectacular green apple notes — as one of the blend’s two pillars. To complement that selection, Fukuyo chose Chita heavy-type grain whisky as the blend’s second pillar, adding a clean taste with notes of sweetness and vanilla.

By pairing these seemingly dissimilar but deeply accordant whiskies, Fukuyo’s insight overturned the old relationship between malt and grain and created a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless.

WITH A SIGNATURE BALANCE OF MALT AND GRAIN.

Traditionally in Suntory blends, grain whiskies have played merely a supporting role, acting as a broth or dashi to accentuate key malts. But the unrivalled sophistication and wide range of grain whiskies produced at Suntory’s Chita distillery led Shinji Fukuyo to rethink that role. He saw these whiskies, with their exquisite balance of complexity, subtlety and refinement, not as a scaffold for the heroic malt to ascend but as true heroes in their own right.

This unique encounter between Hakushu malt and Chita grain whiskies gives Suntory Whisky Toki its silky taste and vivid character. To give the blend greater depth and complexity, Fukuyo carefully selected two Yamazaki malts. Yamazaki American white oak cask malt whisky harmonizes the Hakushu and Chita components, while bringing roundness and reinforcing the sweetness of Chita heavy-type grain whisky with peach and custard aromas. Finally, Yamazaki Spanish oak cask malt whisky adds woody and bittersweet notes to the blend. The result is a vivid, well-balanced and silky blend with a subtle sweet-and-spicy finish.

EXTRAORDINARY VERSATILITY

The smoothness of Suntory Whisky Toki allows for exceptional versatility — the expression can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, as a highball or mixed as a cocktail. The Suntory Whisky Toki highball is recommended for those interested in experiencing how whisky is enjoyed in Japan today. 

The highball is an artful blend of whisky and sparkling water over a generous serving of ice. In the 1950s, the highball was a favorite of whisky drinkers in Japan. The Japanese praised this simple, stylish cocktail as a refreshing way to drink whisky. They also loved how well it paired with Japanese cuisine. Since then, Suntory has played an important role in reestablishing the highball as a popular cocktail for a new generation of whisky drinkers.

To make the Toki highball in the proper Japanese serving ceremony, fill a tall glass to the brim with ice. Add one measure of whisky. Stir to cool the whisky and glass. Again add ice to the brim. Pour three measures of chilled sparkling water along the side of the glass to avoid melting the ice or bursting the bubbles. Add a twist of lemon. Enjoy.

TASTING NOTES – Suntory Whisky Toki (43% Alc./Vol. 750ml)

Color: clear gold

Nose: basil, green apple, honey

Palate: grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint, thyme

Finish: subtly sweet and spicy finish with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger

ABOUT SUNTORY WHISKY

Since 1923, as the pioneer of Japanese whisky, Suntory Whisky has been renowned for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky, Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, near Kyoto—a region known for the purity of its water, where the traditional Japanese tea ceremony was born. Torii dreamt of creating an authentically Japanese whisky by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to that of Scotland, thereby cultivating unique conditions for maturation.

In 1972, Torii’s son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, built the Chita grain distillery near Nagoya to produce more of their own high quality grain whiskies. In 1973, Saji founded the Hakushu distillery amidst the deep forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. Its high altitude and lush environment is what differentiates Hakushu from other distilleries.

With three distilleries and a great diversity in whisky making (different still shapes, five types of cask, and three varieties of wood), Suntory produces over 100 malt and grain whiskies which amounts to the whole of Scotland’s production.

With respect to heritage and a commitment to innovation, third generation master Blender Shingo Torii, and grandson of Shinjiro, now leads this most highly awarded House of Japanese Whisky. Today the House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki—Japan’s N°1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and now, the new Suntory Whisky Toki.

whisky.suntory.com                            @suntoryToki                     #suntorytoki 

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit http://www.beamsuntory.com/ and http://www.drinksmart.com/.

Limited Edition Release To Celebrate The Queen’s 90th Birthday.

The 6^th English Whisky Bottling Of The Royal Range

The Queen’s 90^th Royal Bottling

We have produced a beautiful hand engraved decanter bottle to celebrate HRH Elizabeth II 90th birthday. This release is strictly limited to 480 bottles worldwide. The engraved decanter bottles are presented in our red tubes and look fantastic. The content is every bit as good – David Fitt our master distiller has vatted together whisky from a selection of casks to create a unique and beautiful whisky that is worthy of the occasion. Order now to avoid disappointment. With only 480 bottles released worldwide, this is a very limited edition.

ORDER YOURS ONLINE FOR £75.00

This week sees the arrival of Ardbeg’s much anticipated limited edition Dark Cove at The Whisky Shop.

This new release from Islay’s Ardbeg Distillery is a limted edition created to mark the end of Ardbeg Day during the Islay Festival of Music & Malt. Matured in ex-bourbon and dark sherry casks, this expression harks back to the days of illicit stills and bootleggers hoping to avoid the notorious Excise Men.

The nose entices with dark chocolate, rich treacle and distant bonfires. The palate smoulders with charcoal and wood polish, raisins and dates emerging from the shadows. The finish is long and spicy with cured ham and squid ink noodles lingering.

£110 Buy Now

Aberlour 25 Year Old 1990 Old & Rare

Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 46% ABV SHERRY CASK MATURED

This year’s Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm Single Malt Whisky is finally available in the US. Only a limited quantity of the exclusive bottling will be available and if past releases are any indication, it will sell quick.

Loch Gorm, located to the north of the distillery is very peaty in colour, similar to the dark rich colour of our sherry cask matured single malts.  This is the 5th installment of the Loch Gorm range and it’s been matured for over six years in Oloroso sherry butts.

Named after a famously peaty loch, from which Kilchoman draws water for the production of this and other releases, Loch Gorm is bottled at 46% ABV and is available in the US exclusively through ImpEx Beverages Inc, with a recommended retail price of $99.99.

“Loch Gorm’s rich, spicy character sets it apart in the Kilchoman range”  Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & MD

Worthy of note, the Robb Report magazine just included Loch Gorm in a list with the most heavily peated Scotches in the world. See post here.

Tasting Notes

Nose:  Spicy and sweet with peat smoke and dark chocolate well integrated.

Palate:  Soft fruits, well rounded and full of character.

Finish:  Lingering, sweet and well balanced.

Notes: Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have now been joined by their three sons: George, James and Peter.   Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this. Kilchoman is now very much a family affair:   Since the first bottling was released in 2008, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:

• Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
• Machir Bay was named Whisky of the Year at IWC 2013. Loch Gorm was also awarded Gold, Machir Bay received Silver and 100% Islay 2nd Ed was given bronze.
• Kilchoman 2007 Vintage received Whisky Advocate’s Award for Islay Single Malt of the Year 2013.
• In 2012 Machir Bay was awarded two prestigious IWSC Gold medals and a Silver medal, and was named in GQ’s Best 100 Things of 2012.

Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years after the first bottling was released.

New additions to our Japanese Whisky range

Akashi Single Malt

This single malt is aged for 2 years in Spanish sherry casks followed by 3 years in hogsheads. Non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% abv, this expression offers delicate hints of camomile and sherry on the nose. The palate is rounded and subtle with vanilla and creamy tones, while the finish is sweet revealing vanilla and woody aspects.

£95 Buy Now

Togouchi 12 Year Old

This Japanese blend is matured in a 361 meter long tunnel at a constant temperature of 14°C with 80% humidity. The result is rich in peaty malts with an intensely citrus and smoky nose. The palate is dry and fresh with orchard fruits, citrus and spices, while the finish is gentle and smooth with lemon and vanilla influences.

£98 Buy Now

Togouchi 18 Year Old

A well thought-out expression from Hiroshima, Japan, that has a rounded texture and complexity, similar in profile to a Lowlands Scotch. The nose offers hints of peach and pear, the palate is powerful and balanced with white pepper, malted cereals and violet, while the finish is dry and lingering with pine nuts and sunflower seeds.

£160 Buy Now

Togouchi Premium

A well-balanced blend from Chugoku Jozo with peaty and chocolate tones where the grain whisky sweetens the more powerful malt. The nose has notes of hazelnut and freshly-cut grass, the palate is sweet and gentle with honey, white pepper and nutmeg, while the finish is smooth and spiced.

£60 Buy Now

Nikka From The Barrel

Made from whisky married for 3 to 6 months to allow the components to stabilise and harmonise, this expression from Nikka Distilling Co. is bottled at 51.4% abv, delivering flavour by the barrel to create a rich and strong blend. The nose is floral with orange peel and a little spice. The palate is big and well-balanced with spicy oak and ripe fruits, while the finish has some fire and oak.

£54 Buy Now

Nikka Pure Malt White Label

Tokyo-based Nikka Distilling Co. bottle this blended malt at 43% abv. A subtle expression, the nose offers elegant peat and ripe fruits. The palate is smoky with white pepper and walnuts before sweeter honey tones come through. The finish is dry and peaty with floral aspects revealed.

£60 Buy Now

Nikka Coffey Grain

A complex grain whiky from Tokyo, this expression from Nikka has a mellow and sweet taste that originates with the grain itself. Bottled at 45% abv, the nose offers carnival candy floss, the palate is sweet but not sticky with vanilla and cinnamon, while the finish is vibrant with corn notes.

£75 Buy Now

 Nikka Coffey Malt

A unique malt whisky from Japan that is made using “coffey” stills usually reserved for the production of grain whisky. This 45% abv expression is surprisingly rich in texture. The nose offers some smoke and pecan shells, the palate is full of vanilla, coconut and maple but without becoming too sweet, while the finish is smoky with some spice.

£70 Buy Now

The Latest from Scotland’s Oldest Distillery

We’re looking forward to a busy summer at The Famous Grouse Experience and hope to see you along for a tour, lunch or just to pop by the Famous Shop.

We’ve also got some great gift ideas for Father’s Day and, with June 12th the order deadline before the big day, you don’t have long! Find out what else is going on at Scotland’s must-visit whisky attraction this month…

Treat him this Father’s Day…

There’s not long left to pick up something extra special for Dad! We’ve put together a few idea’s we’re sure he’ll love. Treat him to a warehouse experience followed by a delicious lunch at Wilde Thyme. Or why not pick him up a bottle of our latest Limited Edition Glenturret Whisky, Fly’s 16 Master’s Edition?

12 Reasons to Visit this Summer

We’ve put together 12 reasons to visit The Famous Grouse Experience this summer. What’s number #1 we hear you ask! Well, we’re Scotland’s Must Visit Whisky Destination, of course! We’ve got fantastic tours, an award-winning cafe-restaurant and our Famous Shop stocking some great whisky exclusives!

Visit Our Online Shop

We’ve got a brand new online shop – have you had a look yet? Stocking some of the best selection of whiskies and great gift ideas we’re sure you won’t leave with an empty basket! Don’t forget we ship internationally too.

TEST YOUR NOSE AND PALATE AGAINST THE ENIGMATIC THE GLENLIVET CIPHER

– Shrouded in mystery, the launch of The Glenlivet Cipher Single Malt Scotch Whisky
is set to pique curiosity, tantalise taste buds and spark competitive fervour –

Food and drink connoisseurs around the world are being challenged by The Glenlivet to embark on a flavour journey to decode the secret tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher.

Presented in an opaque, black bottle without any cask information, The Glenlivet Cipher is a Scotch whisky shrouded in mystery that helps whisky lovers to push the boundaries of flavour exploration. Crafted from a unique cask combination that has never before been used by The Glenlivet, Cipher will offer a new flavour experience to explore whilst staying true to the flawlessly smooth and fruity flavour that has made the distillery famous.

Those that accept the challenge will begin their journey on the label by searching for one of the official flavours hidden within a cryptic code, before being directed to cipher.theglenlivet.com to face the ultimate flavour test.

On cipher.theglenlivet.com, The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, unveils The Glenlivet Cipher flavour experience where hopefuls will challenge their distinguished nose and palate to decode the hidden flavours in this unique whisky.

Visitors who complete the exploration receive a cipher of their personal flavour notes, and a score that reveals how close they came to unlocking the official tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher, which can be shared on social media using #TheGlenlivetCipher and @TheGlenlivet. Do you have the makings of a master distiller? Can you decode its secrets? These are all the questions that can only be answered by The Glenlivet Cipher.

Alan Winchester comments: “Through the launch of The Glenlivet Cipher, I am laying down the ultimate test for discerning foodies and drinkers around the world looking to prove their tasting credentials. I am pleased to invite people to join us on a journey of flavour discovery and I will be checking social media and the hashtag #TheGlenlivetCipher throughout the campaign to see who manages to crack the code and unlock the tasting notes of this new enigmatic single malt.

“The Glenlivet Cipher is unique in that it is crafted from a combination of casks never used before at the distillery, so we are excited to explore new flavour territories that build upon the flawlessly smooth and fruity style of The Glenlivet. The official tasting notes will be revealed in the coming months, so get tasting, share your comments online and stayed tuned to The Glenlivet.”

The Glenlivet Cipher is available from June 2016 in 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Canada, at the recommended selling price of $120. Members of The Glenlivet Guardians will be first to discover the official secret tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher when they are unveiled by The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, later in the year.

NOTES

About The Glenlivet
Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other.

@TheGlenlivet

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet; the original Single Malt that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasbrothers.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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 85 “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.

Early June 2016 Outturn Offerings

Cask No. 73.69                               $180

Dark side eclipsed by sweet joys

Speyside, Deveron

The nose delivered savoury notes, evoking tapas bars (fino, amontillado, tortilla, old polished wood, etc.) but the dessert menu was even stronger (crème caramel, rum and raisin ice-cream, apple granny cake. More complex with water – sugared seaweed, Japanese sweet omelette, earthy hazelnut and plastic toys in the sun. The taste was essentially sweet – vanilla, amaretto, caramel, carrot cake, figs – but with a slight metallic, gamey, bittersweet edge of burnt cake and walnut. With water, its darker side (Hoisin duck patrolling the farmyard in wellies) was happily dominated by the joyful sweetness of toffee, toasted marshmallows, Nutella, Dr Peppers syrup and pannacotta.

Drinking tip: Could accompany food (Spanish, oriental, e.g.) – or maybe better after a meal, with coffee

Colour: Caramelized sugar

Cask: Refill butt

Age: 22 years

Date distilled: October 1992

Alcohol: 52.9%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Flavour profile: Deep, rich & dried fruits

Cask No. 121.80                                      $135

A curious and eccentric conundrum

Highland, Island

This nose was a curious and eccentric conundrum – earthy bass notes of pepper, burnt twigs, tarry wood and salty sweetness growled resonantly with sugared almonds and meatballs, yet we also found trills, triplets and tremolos of fruit (pomegranate, banana, wine gums) and even flowers. The palate also had this odd salty/sweet combination – chocolate, toffee and ice-cream ricocheting off sea-salt, sardine and salted caramel. The reduced nose suggested salt and vinegar crisps, lavender and a Bloody Mary sprinkled with celery salt. The palate remained mouth-tingling, with dark honey, salt and wood – odd as three different socks – but very tasty.

Drinking tip: Something to keep you amused while preparing dinner (or washing socks).

Colour: Suffused new gold

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 14 years

Date distilled: April 2000

Alcohol: 54.6%

USA allocation: 96 bottles

Flavour profile: Spicy & sweet

Cask No. 35.129                                      $210

Dans un auberge en Gascogne

Speyside, Lossie

The nose was slow to waken but led to comments like ‘Warm, rich, teasing’ and ‘high quality’ – toffee, chocolate éclairs, fudge and golden syrup promenaded alongside flower meadows and fresh hay – but slate, coal-tar, leather, brass and pine spoke of old-fashioned iron-mongers. The unreduced palate was pleasantly mouth-flooding with big flavours of sherry, roasted chestnuts, leather, dried fruits and heather stems after moor-burning. The second nosing had candles, fortified wine and saddles (d’Artagnan arrives at the inn?). Water helped the palate to consolidate and come together in harmony – brown sugar, dark chocolate orange creams, rum-soaked cherries, sweet liquorice and dark honey.

Drinking tip: A fine dram for reflective, contemplative moments (recalling a swashbuckling youth, perhaps).

Colour: Amber light through Crabbies ginger

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 27 years

Date distilled: May 1987

Alcohol: 53.8%

USA allocation: 48 bottles

Flavour profile: Old & dignified 

Cask No. 3.254                              $160

Sweet & salty seaweed

Islay

We were greeted by a fresh coastal sea breeze reminding some of us of walking the dog on a bright early morning along a pebble beach with scattered crab baskets and the enticing aroma of salty and sweet seaweed in the air. Salty and sweet it was on the palate too, like scallops and sweet chilli garnished with rocket leaves drizzled generously with balsamic vinegar. With a drop of water we carried on walking, passing a fisherman giving a new lick of paint to his upside down boat. The taste now like smoked haddock chowder with leeks and sweetcorn.

Drinking tip: Warning, once you start …

Colour: ‘Old Yeller’

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 19 years

Date distilled: March 1996

Alcohol: 58.1%

USA allocation: 120 bottles

Flavour profile: Oily & coastal

Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America at www.smwsa.com