unlocking the mystery of whisky

The latest release of the Bruichladdich Octomore has for the very first time been distilled exclusively from 100% Islay barley. Octomore 6.3 Islay Barley has been bottled at 5 years old at the Bruichladdich distillery using Islay spring water from the Octomore fields of farmer James Brown.

This limited edition is the peatiest ever release in the whisky industry measuring in at 258 PPM – that’s 89PPM higher than the previous highest release.

Click here to buy

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DRAM

As winter darkness falls, the undead are stirring in crypts across the land. A howl tells you the Ham Gobblin’ Ghoul is nearly upon you. Run through a fluttering cloud of Butterflies, bats and spiders and find a darkened room to hide in. “Safe” you think, but A whispering dram warns you: this is where a Tired vampire gets a massage…

Supernaturally spicy & dry
7.99

Ham Gobblin’ Ghoul

£95.90

23 years old, refill ex-bourbon hogshead

36.73

Tired vampire gets a massage

£82.20

22 years old, second fill ex-bourbon hogshead

Scarily sweet, fruity & mellow

39.98

Butterflies, bats and spiders

£87.20

23 years old, refill ex-bourbon hogshead

9.91

A whispering dram

£83.70

23 years old, refill ex-bourbon hogshead

Gory, oak & vanilla

G4.7

Flying saucers and foamy shrimps (Grain Whisky)

£83.10

34 years old, refill ex-bourbon hogshead

91.20

The rumbling thunder of contentment

£262.10

37 years old, refill ex-bourbon hogshead

Paranormally peated

3.225

Galleon attacked by (ghostly?) pirates

£60.00

34 years old, refill ex-sherry butt

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

Jim Beam Continues Flavor-Infused Bourbon Innovation With Release Of Jim Beam Kentucky Fire™

Deerfield, Ill. – October 7, 2014 – Jim Beam® Bourbon is kicking things up a notch with its third flavored whiskey offering. Jim Beam® Kentucky Fire™, the latest flavored bourbon expression by the world’s No. 1 bourbon, features the flavor of red hot cinnamon liqueur to deliver a fiery kick and a smooth finish that makes for a perfect shot.

“We’ve led the category in flavor innovation in recent years with Red Stag by Jim Beam, Jim Beam Maple and Jim Beam Honey, but our latest flavor certainly turns up the heat,” said Chris Bauder, General Manager of Whiskies at Beam Suntory. “We’re thrilled with the initial excitement we’ve seen for Jim Beam Kentucky Fire and are thrilled to continue to bring new and interesting flavor options to our fans and those who are new to whiskey.”

Jim Beam Kentucky Fire is bottled at 70-proof. It delivers an intense, sweet taste that complements the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey it’s made by, with a smooth cinnamon finish. Jim Beam Kentucky Fire is the perfect bourbon to enjoy as a shot, chilled, straight, or on the rocks, and is ideal for anyone who already enjoys flavored whiskey.

To support the launch, Jim Beam will release a collection of digital videos featuring the ultimate cinnamon bourbon-inspired shot rituals for Jim Beam Kentucky Fire fans – proving that there is truly no wrong way to get #FiredUp. Starting in late-September, these videos will be available on Jim Beam’s social channels including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Examples of Jim Beam Kentucky Fire bourbon’s tongue-in-cheek shot rituals include:

• “The Slow Burn” (Step one, prepare your palate; step two, take a shot of Jim Beam Kentucky Fire slow)
• “The Kentucky Standard” (Step one, order a round of Jim Beam Kentucky Fire; step two, drink it!)
• “The Kentucky Tycoon” (Order shots of Jim Beam Kentucky Fire for the whole bar, make it rain fire)

As part of the brand’s digital marketing campaign in support of the launch, Jim Beam’s digital AOR, Mekanism, will run the digital videos on various online, mobile, social and experiential channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, ESPN, AOL, Kargo, Viacom, and NBCUniversal. The digital advertisements will run through early November 2014.

Jim Beam® Kentucky Fire™ In the News:

Jim Beam Kentucky Fire has already generated substantial interest from whiskey enthusiasts. Geoff Kleinman from DrinkSpirits.com noted that the spice level in Jim Beam Kentucky Fire is “balanced with the underlining sweetness, and addition of subtle whiskey notes are all exactly where they need to be for this kind of product”(August 2014).

AskMen’s.com writer Robert Haynes-Peterson stated that Jim Beam Kentucky Fire “The result is sweet, but not sickly so, with the bold, woody bourbon doing some of the heavy lifting” (August 2014). Peterson also stated in Examiner.com that “as a chilled shot, it (Jim Beam Kentucky Fire) works perfectly, and the herbaceous complexity of the bourbon counterpoints the cinnamon liqueur better than the brash sweetness of Canadian whisky commonly used in other “hot” flavored whiskeys” (July 2014).

Jim Beam Kentucky Fire is available now in select bars and retail locations nationwide and has a suggested retail price of $15.99 for 750mL. Price varies by market and product size, which includes 50mL, 375mL, 750mL and 1L.

For more information, like Jim Beam’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JimBeam), follow the brand on Twitter (@jimbeam) or visit www.jimbeam.com/kentucky-fire. 

About Beam Suntory Inc. 

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.

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 entrepreneurial culture.  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 www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com

The ICEBIRG Press creates a better ice sphere maker for whiskey drinkers 

Boise, ID, USA – October 20, 2014 – The ICEBIRG Press has created a better ice sphere maker for whiskey drinkers. Owners Jeff and Kevin Brackus, of Advanced Precision Machining Inc. in Meridian Idaho, created the ICEBIRG Press when they were unable to find an ice press on the market without problems. Other ice presses on the market don’t have the advanced features of the ICEBIRG Press like the melt runoff drain/alignment system, multipurpose channel and drain/alignment holes that make it easier to use and a water-tension removal dial that keeps you from fighting with the press to retrieve your ice sphere. The ICEBIRG Press also has air pressure release holes to relieve pressure during the speedy ice sphere creation process.

The ICEBIRG Press uses thermal mass and gravity (no motor or power required) to create a 2.5 inch ice sphere in less than one minute. For whiskey drinkers, a 2.5 inch ice sphere helps enhance your whiskey of choice rather than just making it cold. Developed to exist between a warm stiff “neat” drink and a super cold and diluted “on the rocks” drink, with the ICEBIRG Press you can have the best of both worlds, at a price point that rivals that of other ice presses on the market.

The ICEBIRG Press is currently available through their Kickstarter campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/icebirg/icebirg-ice-ball-pressthe-single-malt-specialty through November 5, 2014.

Macallan 42 Year Old Rarest 1969 Decanter 41.6% ABV | 70cl

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky presents Rarest: a collection of some of the world’s most exclusive whiskies. Carefully selected from the company’s coveted reserves, each release embodies unparalleled luxury, refinement and scarcity.

Uncompromised by chill filtration and bottled at natural cask strength, Rarest Macallan represents the peak of the distiller’s art and stands as a glowing testament to the knowledge and skill that informs Duncan Taylor’s rigorous cask selection process.

Rarest Macallan is presented in a decanter of the finest Scottish crystal, intricately engraved with adornments of silver that mirror the whisky’s exquisite refinement. Bringing the monumental journey full circle, the decanter is housed in an elegant display case, crafted from the very cask that matured the whisky to perfection.

Generations of passion, knowledge and craftsmanship continues to drive Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky today. Rarest is the culmination of the company’s vision; to provide the most authentic Scotch whisky without compromise.

Tasting Notes..

Colour: amber

Nose: fresh juicy fruits, lots of fragrant orange notes, peaches and dark cherries. With time becomes creamier with spearmint and then some blackcurrant cordial.

Taste: rich and oily, dried oranges, delicate oak and milk chocolate. Soft kiwi fruits, lychee and more creaminess emerge with time.

Finish: lingering toffee, stewed fruits, praline and some fresher grassy notes.

Comment: a big robust whisky but ultimately soft and soothing.

Price: £10,000.00 ex VAT
£12,000.00 inc VAT

Auchentoshan® Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky Introduces Auchentoshan® American Oak

Glasgow, Scotland (October 7, 2014) – Auchentoshan® Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky known for triple distilling every single drop, introduces Auchentoshan® American Oak. Releasing flavor layers of vanilla, caramelized sugars, coconut and oak spices, Auchentoshan American Oak is the first ever Auchentoshan to be matured exclusively in first fill ex bourbon casks. The name harkens to the 100 year old oak trees (of the Quercus alba species) grown in the North American mountains which become bourbon casks that will eventually age Auchentoshan Scotch Whisky’s newest expression. Auchentoshan American Oak will become a permanent member of the core Auchentoshan portfolio, which includes 12 Years Old and Three Wood. Auchentoshan American Oak is available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $39.99/750ml.

Auchentoshan is Always Triple Distilled
Auchentoshan prides itself in its unique tradition of triple distilling every single drop. This means that the spirit produced reaches 81.5% alcohol by volume, significantly higher than most single malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. The lightness of the liquid enables it to more readily absorb every characteristic it is exposed to in the cask.

American Oak Maturation
Auchentoshan creates a smooth and complex spirit that ages beautifully in first fill ex-bourbon casks. The North American oak barrels used for American Oak maturation are first seasoned with American bourbon whiskey, which serves to remove the harsher bitter oak tannins and break down the oak to re lease even more vanilla, coconut and silky maturation oils.

Judicious Cask Selection
The maturing Auchentoshan spirit is regularly sampled by Rachel Barrie, Auchentoshan Master Blender, drawing hundreds of samples from different positions in the warehouse. Auchentoshan has found that higher positions in the warehouse promote more spice and intense bourbon vanilla extraction from the oak, whereas casks matured nearer ground level promote softer peach and citrus fruit top notes and silky coconut. Barrie hand selects the casks that are then married together for several months to achieve a multi-layered balance of vanilla sweetness, clean citrus scent and a refreshingly smooth taste.

With a nod to its triple distillation and American oak maturation, Auchentoshan American Oak presents several cocktails where American Oak can be used as a delicious substitute:

Make it a Triple | Riff on a cocktail that is typically made with Irish whiskey, Auchentoshan American Oak works well because of its triple distillation.

• 1 oz. Auchentoshan® American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• .25 oz. Lillet® Vermouth
• .25 oz. Pierre Ferrand® Dry Curacao
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

Stir all ingredients together and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

Seelbach | A pre-prohibition cocktail famously made with bourbon, Auchentoshan American Oak works well here because of its bourbon barrel maturation.

• 1 oz. Auchentoshan® American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• .25 oz. Pierre Ferrand® Dry Curacao
• 7 dashes Angostura® Bitters
• 7 dashes Peychaud’s® Bitters
• .25 oz. Champagne

Stir ingredients over ice, strain into a chilled flute, top with Champagne and lemon twist garnish.

Triple A | Punch created by Julieta Campos of The Berkshire Room, Chicago.

• 1 oz. Auchentoshan® American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• .25 oz. Ginger Syrup
• .5 oz. Lemon Juice
• .25 oz. Apricot Liqueur
• .25 oz. Aperol® Aperitif

Serve in tumbler/punch cup. Top with a few Maldon® salt flakes.

TASTING NOTES: Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV
To the eye:  Bright gold.
To the nose:  Bourbon vanilla and coconut with layers of zesty citrus fruit.
To the tongue:  Refreshingly smooth yet lively with vanilla cream, coconut and white peach.
To the end:  Crisp, with sugared grapefruit and a hint of spice.

ABOUT AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

The award winning Auchentoshan portfolio includes Auchentoshan 12 Year Old, Three Wood, 18 Year Old and the limited release 21 Year Old, in addition to select vintage, limited edition releases. Auchentoshan is available nationwide in the U.S and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Auchentoshan portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Beam Suntory, Inc. For more information about Auchentoshan, visit www.auchentoshan.com, https://www.facebook.com/auchentoshan, and on Twitter @theauchentoshan.

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY INC.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.

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 entrepreneurial culture.  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 www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

CHIVAS BROTHERS NEW CASK STRENGTH (50cl) RELEASES

GLENBURGIE
20 year old
£59.95

 MILTONDUFF
16 year old
£47.95

 GLENALLACHIE
14 year old
£46.50

If you have ever attended our annual Whisky Fringe event you should be familiar with our ‘Half Time Orange’ dramming concept. What’s more if you visited the Pernod Ricard stand when the whistle was blown, you would have been treated to some quite exceptional ‘drawn straight from the cask that very week’ samples from the esteemed Mr Logan. On several past occasions he has provided quite stunning drams from the lesser known distilleries of Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glenallachie. Which is why we are very excited to get our hands on these new additions to the Chivas Brothers Cask Strength range (click on the link for the full range, including new Scapa and Tormore) which were previously only available to purchase when actually visiting the distilleries.

New release WW1 Remembrance In light of the momentous occasion that 2014 signifies – a century since the start of WW1. We thought this was a date worth noting and so have designed a label, bottle and contents worthy of remembering 1914 and those that fought for us. The whisky itself has gentle undertones of smoke and an earthiness to it – our way of giving a nod to the battlefields. The English Whisky Co. are going to donate £2 to the Poppy Appeal for each bottle sold. The bottling is limited to 1499 bottles.

Chapter 13 Batch 3 Tasting Notes

Nose Sweet raisins, warm vanilla and slightly spicy. Hints of bread and butter pudding and caramelised sugar. Also a slight savoury and earthy background note.

Palate Initially dry, then sweet, spicy (think white pepper), malty and oaky. Again the savoury, earthy notes come through. Slight touch of anise along with lovely warm vanilla, just like a vanilla sponge fresh from the oven. Finish is long and the dryness kicks

£49.99 A donation of £2 per bottle to Poppy Appeal

BUY NOW

HIDDEN SPIRITS NEW RELEASE “BLAIR ATHOL BLA.214”

From now is available the New Hidden Spirits Independent Label Release;

Blair Athol “BLA.214” is an 11 years old Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky matured in ex bourbon hogshead.

BLA.214 is an elegant Single Cask Whisky full of character.

BLAIR ATHOL 11yo “BLA.214” (2002 – 2014)

Independent Bottling of

HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

 distilled at

 BLAIR ATHOL distillery

Independent Label: Hidden Spirits;

Bottling: Independent (Hidden Spirits);

 Single Malt Whisky Region: Highland;

Distillery: Blair Athol;

Aged: 11 yo (2002- 2014);

Matured: Ex-bourbon hogshead;

Cask number: ref. 10614;

48%abv.

Available from October 2014 HERE

Something more HERE

Following the modest, recent release of Mortlach Rare Old, the new super-dooper, super premium Mortlach 25 year old has finally arrived! Mortlach is described as ‘The Beast of Dufftown’ for its rich and powerful flavours, which might partly have something to do with the unique and complicated partial triple distilling process. Previously used primarily for adding depth to some great whisky blends, Mortlach is now enjoying some seriously heavy investment, which will double the capacity of the distillery and firmly reposition the brand straight to the top of the global luxury and travel market. We have been fortunate enough to sample a wee dram and it doesn’t disappoint. After tasting it (click through for our tasting notes) one member of staff remarked; ‘If a had the money in my hand right now, I wouldn’t hesitate in handing it over for this bottle of Mortlach.’