Benromach 2005 – Hermitage Wood Finish

Benromach 2005 Hermitage Wood Finish, bottled 2015 – matured in ex-bourbon casks for 8 years followed by a further 18 months in hand-selected casks from The Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée in the northern Rhône region of France.

£39.36

Benromach 2006 – Sassicaia Wood Finish

New for 2015 – Benromach vintage 2006 Sassicaia Wood Finish. Matured in first fill ex-bourbon casks for 7 years, then transferred to ex-Sassicaia wine casks for a further 18 months maturation.

Sassicaia is regarded as one of the most prestigious wines in the world. It is created in the exciting and fashionable Tuscan wine producing region of Bolgheri.

£39.36

Abbey Whisky Ltd

Registered Office

Dollar, FK14 7AS

United Kingdom

Caperdonich 21 Year Old 1994 Xtra Old Particular

21 Year Old 1994

Buy – $201.23

Caperdonich 21 Year Old 1994 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask refill hogshead #10769 bottled July 2015 by Douglas Laing & Co. for the Xtra Old Particular series. 270 bottles.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Massively spiced (dryly) initially warms to exotic fruit, malt & light oak.

Palate: Soft/complex – builds to honey, barley, golden syrup, citrus & vanilla.

Finish: Complex with its soft spices, barley, butterscotch, mocha & biscuit.

SEPTEMBER UPDATE: SUMMERTIME AND THE WHISKY IS EASY

Wringing the last drops of sun from the first chill of autumn, this week’s whiskies look back longingly at the joys of summer. Whether you love to lounge on the beach surrounded by the Coconut oil and candy floss smell of sun cream or make the best of the harvest with Grandma’s summer jam recipe, one of these little rays of sunshine will warm you to the bone in the frosty days to come…

Sweet, fruity & mellow

46.32 Summertime and the whisky is easy  £76.50

Spicy & sweet

39.107 Coconut oil and candy floss  £44.00
July offer exclusive bottling – last 5 for sale individually!

26.114 Grandma’s summer jam recipe  £59.90
Sold out June bottling back in stock!

Spicy & dry

G7.7 Old Codger with a Jammy Dodger  £78.80
Popular November bottling back in stock!

Light & delicate

55.29 A barley harvest and a ‘fizzy buzz’  £48.10
Part of the Bitter-sweet Force

Oily & coastal

4.209 The Cinderella cottage  £76.00
Sold out August bottling back in stock!

Peated

53.225 Comfortably smoky £95.90
August offer exclusive bottling – last 48 for sale individually!

Browse New Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

RARE ANTIQUARY RELEASE

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd has released a rare bottling of 35 year old blended Scotch Whisky under its premium brand The Antiquary.

The Antiquary is of one of the oldest Scotch whisky brands on the market. John & William Hardie began their quest to create the perfect Blended Scotch Whisky in 1880, using only the finest and rarest Scottish malts. In 1888 they succeeded in creating what was considered to be superior to all other blends – The Antiquary – available only to a small circle of friends and family. This rare and limited release of just 800 bottles pays homage to The Antiquary’s founders – it has been crafted from Scotland’s most outstanding malt and grain whiskies, all of which have been matured for over thirty five years.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, said: “Following a brand refresh earlier this year, we have seen growing interest in the Antiquary whiskies in both existing and new markets. Much like the original recipe created by the Hardie brothers back in

1888, this 35 Year old is a truly remarkable blended Scotch whisky of which the founders themselves would be immensely proud.”

The Antiquary 35 Year Old will be sold only in selected markets and will retail at £299.99 / EUR350.

Tasting Notes

AROMA          Honey and mixed berries up front. Stewed apples, creamy vanilla and some oaky spice with a waxy/wood polish quality. It’s clearly an old whisky with lots of depth but it still has a lot of vibrancy and fresh flavours. There is a very subtle heathery smoke which is balanced with an orange peel citrus note. In time a Parma Violet type softness emerges.

PALATE         A rich caramel feel with sweet pastry, mixed tropical fruits and berries. Hints of age are present throughout with flavours of polished leather and old wood balanced with fresh citrus notes and light spices. There is a rounded malty character with a soft peppery note.

FINISH            The rich caramel smoothness continues and eventually dries out leaving fruity flavours and hints of oak spice.

Notes:

• The Antiquary brand is owned by the Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd, which also owns the Tomatin and Cù Bòcan single malts, along with a portfolio of blended whisky brands.See http://www.theantiquary.com/ and http://www.tomatindistillery.com/ for more information
• The new core range packaging was launched in May 2015 and has been rolled out worldwide – the 12 and 21 year old expressions are only available in selected markets.
• John & William Hardie began their quest to create the perfect blended Scotch Whisky more than 150 years ago. In 1888, using only the finest and rarest malts, they succeeded in creating what was considered to be superior to all other blends; The Antiquary. The name is taken from the famous gothic novel written by Sir Walter Scott, redolent with family secrets, stories of hidden treasure and hopeless love.
• Designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd, based in Stirling – Central Scotland – established in 2007 and operates with 5 staff, 3 of whom are Directors (Gary Dawson, Gary Doherty, Del Sneddon)

Notes:

• The Antiquary brand is owned by the Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd, which also owns the Tomatin and Cù Bòcan single malts, along with a portfolio of blended whisky brands.

To those of you who couldn’t access our website recently, we’re back! Over running maintenance work caused the site to go down for a day, however we are sorted now and getting ready for the new releases…

NEW SMALL BATCH RANGE DUE LATE SEPTEMBER/EARLY OCTOBER

It’s that time of the year when we look back on the summer that was thinking maybe it was ok after all! Then again if we get that usual September sun it might keep our minds off the impending doom that is Christmas!! (Yeah I know that dreaded word “impending”)
So to help you get back into the flow after those long weeks off work then deciding to have an extra day or two off so you could head to the coast we have some rather excellent releases due.

CADENHEAD’S SMALL BATCH RANGE

Due to the high demand we are experiencing in the bottling hall this seasons release will be a little later than originally anticipated.

A few are very limited indeed, such as a rare vintage from Royal Brackla aged 38 years old. With only 150 bottles in the world it’s not going to hang around too long, this one has a trace of peat in the middle palate along with its nice fruity mix.
We also have a rather stunning Linkwood 26 year old matured in a sherry cask, the nose is a classic sherry aroma but the taste has a really creamy smooth note running throughout.

Now we have something special called Burnside(TM) yes that does indicate trade mark! The whisky name Burnside comes from the old Campbeltown distillery but J&A Mitchell use that name to market a blended malt whisky from speyside that has 1 teaspoon of another malt added. Burnside blended Malt is a name owned by J&A Mitchell (Springbank), parent company to WM Cadenhead’s.

Stocks are very limited for Burnside and Linkwood along with the next whisky on my list…

CAMBUS SINGLE GRAIN DISTILLED BACK IN 1988

Cambus distillery was built back in 1813 making it one of the oldest grain distilleries in Scotland until it closed in 1993 to become a bonded warehouse and cask filling site.

The distillery site is located in Tullibody Clackmannanshire next to the River Devon. Mass distilling was still a rare thing back in the early 1800s but this distillery was not always a grain producer, The distillery started life as a rundown mill until it was purchased in 1806 by John Mowbray as a malt Distillery. Then around 1823 he converted it to a grain whisky producer and his son Robert took the helm.

Around 1850 they installed bigger stills much like Coffey stills making it one of the largest producers of whisky spirit in Scotland. When we first opened the store in London Cambus was a favourite grain whisky, it’s been some years since I last sold one, so many years I dare not think back that long!

This new bottling has an amazing rich smooth fruity taste that I personally enjoy, as it opens in the glass my nose is immediately drawn to the faint whiff of what could be Sauternes mingling with candied banana rains and mangoes both on the nose and more importantly on the palate.

Other malts in this first release of the new season are to be honest rather excellent, with tastes to suit most whisky lovers from delicate fruity malts to the more robust Islay malt.

I will also be giving you the latest news on the upcoming Authentic range from Cadenhead’s. As soon as I have the release date I will send you all the full tasting notes and any other details as and when they arrive from Scotland.

We have been put forward for the LOVE LONDON AWARDS by Time Out who added us to the shortlist after a number of customers contacted them to make sure we are in the running.

We are deeply humbled to have had customers contacting Time Out to put us forward so a huge thanks to whoever it was.

The awards are given to the Shops, Restaurants and bar’s people like to frequent in London, the final nomination process finishes at the end of September if you wish to nominate us for the main voting that takes place from October 5th then go to timeout.com/lovelondon

CADENHEAD CLUB MEMBERS

Cadenhead club members should now be sending in their full cards with any part filled cards being able to be carried over in to next year. If you want to send the cards to us in London we can forward them to Campbeltown, you should post them or bring them into the shop in a sealed envelope with your name and membership number on the front of the envelope. We will not open them then just forward on to head office, however it would be best to send them direct. If you have no time to send to us before September 18th

I am sure a lot of you will want to call us to hold stock! At the moment it’s difficult to keep long lists so give us until the last week of September to clear the current lists we have then we can start the whole cycle off again!

A few of the old Small Batch range from this summer are still available but only very limited stocks of the Gold Label range, might be worth checking out The Vault and the front page in the next day or two before the gems are gone for good.

I will contact you all again very soon.

Stephen

Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop & Tasting Room
26 Chiltern Street
London
W1U 7QF

Tel: 020 7935 6999

The BenRiach limited edition releases are now available to pre-order from The Whisky Shop. Please note that all of the below items are expected to arrive week commencing 5th October.

BenRiach ‘Latada’ 18 year old

Peated Madeira Finish

The BenRiach 18 Years Old Latada is an exceptional limited new peated expression. Matured in American white oak casks, this single malt whisky is finished in Madeira wine casks – matured for a total of 18 years. The name ‘Latada’ is in reference to the vine system on the Portuguese island of Madeira. This expression was bottled at 46%, at a natural golden colour and is non chill filtered.

£90 Order Now

Cask No. 58.15                               $200

Gravitas in a glass

Speyside, Deveron

The very first sniff drew positive impressions; ‘gravitas in a glass’ someone said – aromas of marmalade, toffee, syrup, coconut and exotic fruits (melon, lychee, Gewürztraminer) with some gentle hints of wood sap, shrubberies and rose gardens. The palate certainly didn’t disappoint but it had a surprisingly strong Armagnac character – we found it juicy, mouth-watering and mellow, with sandalwood, tropical fruits and mixed spices (pepper, ginger, chilli). The reduced nose was a beehive (beeswax, honey, wood) in a garden – also dark fruits, velvety chocolate pots and lavender. The palate now suggested raisins soaked in brandy, dried flowers, sultanas, dates and warming spices.

Drinking tip: This would be a great dram to cradle, appreciate and muse over after dinner.

Colour: Golden syrup

Cask: Refill barrel

Age: 25 years

Date distilled: June 1989

Alcohol: 56.1%

USA allocation: 90 bottles

Flavour profile: Deep, rich & dried fruits

Cask No. 7.105                       $175        

Cricket pavilions and garden centres

Speyside, Lossie

The interesting nose combined toffee, honey and butterscotch sweetness with various fruits (apple, lychee, lemon, pineapple) including dried fruits and nuts (tropical mix); evocative aromas of wood, leather, linseed oil, cut grass and gorse took us to cricket pavilions. Water brought out exotic fruits and pot-pourri in wooden bowls and garden centre impressions. The palate had lovely sharp fruity sweetness – like assorted Haribos – but more of an adult pleasure (sour apple, cherry, apricot) with hints of gingerbread, chestnut, vanilla and Madeira. A good long finish at full strength – with water, light tingles of pineapple cubes, cinnamon toast and American Cream Soda.

Drinking tip: A fairly easy-going dram – maybe the first one to serve when guests arrive – or just relaxing with a book.

Colour: Golden syrup

Cask: Refill barrel

Age: 21 years

Date distilled: April 1993

Alcohol: 54.5%

USA allocation: 195 bottles

Flavour profile: Sweet, fruity & mellow

Cask No. 41.66                               $115

Sweet citrus and attractive perfumes

Speyside, Spey

The nose stimulated us with tons of Haribos (Dolly Mixtures for older generations), vanilla slices, pineapple humps and cup cakes – eventually more complex – jasmine tea, cigar boxes, walnut oil and flat-pack furniture. The neat palate had plentiful sweetness (peach juice, white chocolate, tinned pineapple, syrupy gulab jamun) – but never sickly, thanks to chilli heat and tobacco and grapefruit bitterness. The nose developed attractive perfumes with water (peach, jasmine, lily of the valley, lemon cup cakes). The reduced palate was ‘satisfying’ and ‘enjoyable’ – sweetly citric, with caramelized apple, lemon drizzle cake and ice cream, plus ginger, pepper, mint and menthol to finish.

Drinking tip: A great aperitif – to get the juices flowing

Colour: Faded copper bracelet

Cask: First-fill barrel

Age: 11 years

Date distilled: August 2003

Alcohol: 60.3%

USA allocation: 66 bottles

Flavour profile: Juicy, oak & vanilla

Cask No. 10.81                       $100       

Sea salt caramel ice cream

Islay

A fresh, maritime and ‘seafoody’ aroma greeted the Panel. A plate of cold smoked salmon, steamed mussels, crab claws, jumbo king prawns and fresh oysters with a sweet citrus soy sauce; whilst the freshness was in the desert; mint chocolate chip ice cream. The taste was like a salty, juicy gammon steak with a lime ginger salsa and sweet peat smoked mackerels. With water we moved into a fishmonger’s with ice filled boxes on the floor containing the catch of the day and to taste a balance of sweet, salty and smoky flavours – dark chocolate mousse centred with smoked sea salt caramel.

Drinking tip: With a seafood platter

Colour: Lone-Ranger bullet

Cask: Refill barrel

Age: 9 years

Date distilled: December 2005

Alcohol: 60.4%

USA allocation: 113 bottles

Flavour profile: Oily & coastal

Cask No. 29.164                             $150

A ballerina at the barbeque

Islay

Our ballerina sits on damp decking tending to her weary toes with TCP and lint bandage from an antiquated first aid box. A Bloody Mary revives her flagging spirit as she lights a fire pit to start cooking white fish wrapped in bacon and spritzed with lime juice. She snacks on popcorn with sea salt and cracked black pepper and cucumber sandwiches from warm Tupperware. A sprinkle of rain can’t dampen the ash, hints of oil pastel and linseed develop. The shellfish is drizzled with coriander and olive oil and grilled with halloumi and green peppers. Dainty and delicious!

Drinking tip: The perfect accompaniment for a seafood barbeque

Colour: White gold

Cask: Refill hogshead

Age: 17 years

Date distilled: October 1997

Alcohol: 49.2%

USA allocation: 174 bottles

Flavour profile: Lightly peated

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

Kensington Wine Market is taking pre-orders for its 2015 Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar

Kensington Wine Market’s Whisky Advent Calendar is back! Last year’s calendar, our second and the first one we produced entirely in house, was a huge hit. It sold out before it hit the shelves. This year’s is even better. It still includes 24 x 50ml whiskies and a custom Glencarin whisky glass. But, that is not all! We are offering an even wider range of whiskies and we are also including an extra 25th bottle. As a special treat for Christmas morning, there will be a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask bottling. This is a rare treat indeed, and usually only available to Society members. All of this year’s whiskies are different from 2014 and we are really excited about the range. There are 23 single malts from Scotland, Ireland, India and Taiwan, as well as a boutique blend and a boutique blended malt. Whether it is for yourself or to give as a gift, we know it won’t disappoint. Don’t hesitate! This one is sure to sell out fast, and the price goes up September 15!

You can pre-order the 2015 Kensington Wine Market Advent Calendar online, by phone 403-283-8000/888-283-9004 or in store. A $150 deposit will be taken for each calendar requested at the beginning of August. The calendars will be available at the “early bird price” of $375. until September 15th. After September 15th the Calendar’s price will go up to $400. The calendars should be ready for pickup before the end of October.

SEPTEMBER UPDATE: UP, UP AND AWAY

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s September’s bottlings streaking away towards the horizon! Bold and fearless flavours have captivated the imagination; epic tales will be told for years to come. Is your spider sense tingling yet? Delicious drams are in danger of running dry – join the quest to find the ultimate champion amongst September’s top sellers…

hampions: Last 4 Dark Voyagers

Dark Voyager Duo 

29.168 Fade to black

&

35.137 Delightful evocation of the boudoir

£155.20

Heroes: Last 8 Chilli Spice Crusaders

48.61 Concerto zenzero

&

53.227 Sweet, salty & smoky

£116.40

Chilli Spice Crusader Duo 

Daredevils: Last 8 Bitter Sweet Forces

Bitter-Sweet Force Duo

63.32 Bitter-sweet, eccentric character >

&

55.29 A barley harvest and a “fizzy buzz”

£141.20

No. 1: Young & spritely

58.16  Margarita cocktail

£41.80

No. 2: Peated

53.227  Sweet, Salty & smoky £116.40

Chilli Spice Crusader Duo

No. 3: Lightly peated

3.246  The Curious Apothecary

£60.00

No. 4: Light & delicate

55.29  A barley harvest and a ‘fizzy buzz’

£48.10

No. 5: Sweet, fruity & mellow

46.32  Summertime and the whisky is easy

£76.50

Browse New Outturn >

​Browse All Bottlings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Highland Park 19 Year Old – 1995 Single Cask 2475

Released as part of Càrn Mòr’s ‘Black Gold’ Celebration of the Cask range, is this sherry monster from The Highland Park distillery. Distilled in 1995 and aged for 19 years in single sherry hogshead #2475. Bottled in 2015, only 275 bottles filled at cask strength, 51.9% vol.

£179.74

Caol Ila 26 Year Old – 1988 Single Cask 4213

A 26 year old Caol Ila Islay Scotch whisky bottled for the Càrn Mòr Celebration of the Cask range. Distilled 1st December 1988 and left to mature in single hogshead #4213 until 18th August 2015, where it was bottled at cask strength, with only 135 bottles filled.

£199.87

Mortlach 20 Year Old – 1995 Single Cask 4123

Distilled 10th July 1995 at the Mortlach distillery and left to mature in single hogshead #4123 for 20 years! Bottled at 55.5% vol by Càrn Mòr for their excellent Celebration of the Cask range on the 8th August 2015. An out-turn of 260 bottles.

£108.08