Welcome to the latest quarterly newsletter.  We hope you had a cheery holiday season, spending time with loved ones and catching up with friends and family and enjoyed a dram or two. Springbank Distillers was closed for two weeks so we are happy to report that our Production and Sales teams are well rested and ready to tackle what will be one of the busiest years in our company’s history.

Distillery News

As you will know from our previous Newsletter, scheduled renovations and improvements continue at the distillery and work has now begun to transform the old staff canteen into a distillery shop which we hope to have up and running for the summer season.

Our four new production staff have now completed their training giving us the required manpower to malt, mash and distill simultaneously throughout the year.  This clearly increases our production capacity but will also enhance our visitors’ experience as they will see all aspects of production working during a single visit.  We reiterate that we are not using mass production techniques and that Springbank will continue to be produced in its unique way, including 100% floor malting.

In other news, Assistant Manager Robert Scally (aka Pop) has taken on a new role as Bottling Hall Manager.  Pop spent a number of weeks in the Bottling Hall last year, assisting with the training and work instructions of all staff members and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Staff Profiles

A new feature has been introduced to the Springbank Website. We are producing staff profiles, in the form of short interviews, on the website and our social media platforms. Staff members share their experiences of working for Springbank and give you all an insight into what it’s really like to be involved in making the whisky that we all know and love. We shall be starting with employees who have been with the company for a long time, focusing on how Springbank and Glengyle have evolved over time and how that has effected everyone at the distillery.

As Society members, you will get access to these profiles first as they will be posted on the Society section of the Springbank Website before they appear anywhere else – so keep an eye out!

And if you can think of any questions you really want answered, then let us know and we shall ask them.

February Releases

We recently launched our three February releases in the UK;

Springbank 12yo cask strength 56.3%

Springbank 25yo 46%

Longrow Red 11yo Cabernet Franc 55.9%

As Society Members you were given advanced warning that these were being made available so we hope this gave you every opportunity to secure the bottles you desired.  We again highlight that we do not control how shops sell their stock, or if they take pre-orders etc.  The Cadenhead shops are out-with our control so if you have any enquires or comments about what stock individual shops have please contact them directly.  Remember to look at the ‘Where to buy’ section of our website to find your local UK stockist. http://www.springbank.scot/distributors/

Sales Team Events    

February 

26th Feb    Australia Tasting Tour. Ranald will be representing Springbank down under in -2nd Mar    partnership with Cadenhead’s who will also be touring.   David will also be in the country on these dates for a Kilkerran tasting tour.

28th Feb    Jutland Whisky Fair and tastings, Denmark

4th March    www.whiskymessen.dk/?page_id=296   (Ronan)

March

 2-4th         DramFest, Christchurch, New Zealand. www.dramfest.co.nz (Ranald & David)

5-12th        New Zealand tasting tour. (Joint Springbank, Kilkerran & Cadenhead tour  with David, Ranald and Cameron McGeachy ) Tastings in Auckland and  Wellington.

10th        Fife Whisky Festival      www.fifewhiskyfestival.com (Grant)

15th         Arkwrights Whisky Wines and Home Brew tasting event, Swindon (Grant)

16-17th    Midlands Whisky Festival  www.whiskyfest.co.uk (Grant)

16-23rd    Trondheim Whisky Fair and Norwegian tasting tour  www.trondheimwf.no   (Ronan)

24th        Dundee Whisky Social – Kilkerran only (Grant)

April 

6-14th        Gothenburg Whisky Fair and tasting tour of Sweden www.olochwhiskymassa.se (Ronan)

14th        Warsaw Whisky & Friends, Poland www.whiskyandfriends.pl (Melanie)

21-22nd    Limburg Whisky Fair, Germany www.festival.whiskyfair.com (Ranald)

28th        Bristol Whisky Lounge, www.thewhiskylounge.com/ (Grant)

May

5-6th        Kieler Whiskymesse www.mein-schlemmerfreund.de.  (Ranald & Melanie)

Society Bottling 

We are pleased to announce that we will follow up the previous Society bottlings of Springbank and Longrow Sauternes with a Hazelburn edition which will complete the Sauternes series.  This will be released in April 2018 with further details following closer to the release date.  However, we can say now that given the estimated outturn, we will have to restrict bottles to one per member.

Campbeltown Malts Festival   20th-23rd May 2018

Finally, tickets for the Springbank and Cadenhead/Glengyle Open Days went on sale on Thursday 15th February.  Most tastings have now sold out but there are still tickets available for the Longrow & Hazelburn masterclass at 11.30am on Thursday 24th and the Kilkerran masterclass at 11.30am on Friday 25th. These can be purchased on Eventbrite – http://bit.ly/2ofceaP

Don’t forget there are also tastings available to book on the day as well as well as the usual delights of the warehouse bar, Cadenhead lucky dip bar, free tours and local producers showcasing their products.

You will receive more information on the Malts Festival as the event draws closer but we will highlight at this early stage that we plan to supply a greater volume of Open Day bottles this year to ensure everyone has the opportunity to purchase one.  This should mean they are available throughout their respective days, not selling out in the first hour or so.  We will also make the bottles available to purchase from 10.30am.  The purpose of this is to encourage people to enjoy the atmosphere of the day and not worry about queuing  for bottles, and for those that want to queue, they can get this out the way before the Open Day begins at 11am!

That’s all from us for now but stay tuned for updates on the Malts Festival and the next Society release.

Slainte!

Springbank Society 

To join the Springbank Society please contact them at Springbank Society  society@springbank.scot

Michter’s US*1- Barrel Strength Straight Rye

A single barrel, cask strength release of the excellent Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye whiskey. For this limited edition release, the Rye distillate is filled to cask at a lower strength of 103 proof, a method said to be more expensive. But the results are worth it, with a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey.

£94.80

The Last of a Classic

The last few bottles of the original Loch Fyne Liqueur

The Loch Fyne Liqueur Decanter Bottle

Ready for a trip down memory lane? Comprised of whisky matured for at least 12 years and housed in a striking glass decanter, the original Loch Fyne Liqueur was a premium dram in every respect! No longer produced, only a handful of these wonderfully presented bottles remain. So – whether you’re keen to try The Loch Fyne Liqueur in all its glorious forms, or are simply a devotee of the old style – we recommend stocking up, before it’s completely gone.

£38 Buy Now
Limited stock now available to order

Canadian Whisky News

Read All About It in the New York Times

As sales of Canadian whisky in the vast American market continue to grow, America’s most respected and widely read newspaper is taking notice.

In an in-depth feature published in both the on-line and print editions, the New York Times, Clay Risen notes a 112 percent leap in the high-end premium category, telling America that Canadian whisky is in resurgence.

Chronicling the glory days after Prohibition and the slow decline of more recent years, the article notes that today, drinkers in the know are taking Canadian whisky seriously. Traditional distillers and new microdistilleries alike contribute to this resurgence.

Credit, in part, goes to Alberta-made ryes that both drive and feed the Rye Renaissance in the U.S. Moreover, these massive 100% ryes are finding their way into top bartenders high-end cocktails.

A Canadian whisky – Crown Royal – is the second-best-selling whisky in the United States, notes Risen. Only Jack Daniel’s manages to sell more.

To read the full story click here

You Could Be A Forty Creek Hero

Forty Creek Whisky is offering four whisky lovers from across Canada the chance for an all-expenses-paid visit to the distillery where they will help select this year’s Limited Release.

Canadian whisky fans need only visit Forty Creek’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FortyCreekWhisky) and comment on why Forty Creek is their whisky of choice. Four fans from various parts of Canada (excluding Quebec) will be chosen at random and invited to the Forty Creek distillery to sample a range of new blends, then vote on which will be the 2018 Limited Edition. The contest closes March 4, 2018.

“We want to give Canadians from coast-to- coast an opportunity to represent their respective regions and select, what will ultimately be the first special release chosen by Forty Creek’s own fans.” says John Andersen, Senior Brand Manager.

Here is your chance to make Canadian whisky history. The winning blend will be available for reservation prior to Forty Creek’s annual Whisky Weekend, held each September at the Grimsby, Ontario distillery.

Winners

Canadian Whisky Awards

Whisky of the Year – JP Wiser’s 35

Distillery of the Year –  Hiram Walker & Sons

The Verdict is in: 

These are the Best Whiskies for 2018 

Results of the 8th Annual Canadian Whisky Awards show great strength and broad diversity in the new crop of Canadian whiskies.

Whisky of the Year – Wiser’s 35

Distillery of the Year – Hiram Walker & Sons

Microdistillery of the year – Two Brewers

Award of Excellence Innovation – Lohin McKinnon Barley & Rye lightly peated

Award of Excellence Line Extension – Gibson’s Finest Bold

Award of Excellence – Best New Whisky – Forty Creek Heritage

Connoisseur Whisky of the Year – Domestic – Wiser’s 35

Connoisseur Whisky of the Year – Multi-market – Caribou Crossing

Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Domestic – Collingwood Town Collection Double Barreled

Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Export – Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel

Sippin’ Whisky of the Year – Multi-market – Masterson’s 10 yo

Value Whisky – Domestic – Highwood Rye

Value Whisky – Multi-market – Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye

Value Whisky – Export – Canadian Mist

Flavoured Domestic – Ceili’s Irish Cream / Wiser’s Vanilla

Flavoured Multi-market – Crown Royal Vanilla

Lifetime Achievement – Vicky Miller – Black Velvet Distillery

Lifetime Achievement – Rick Murphy – Alberta Distillers Limited

Lifetime Achievement – Jim Stanski – Hiram Walker Distillery

Gold Medals

Canadian Club 40 year old

Caribou Crossing Single Barrel

Ceili’s Irish Cream

Collingwood Town Collection Double Barreled

Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye

Crown Royal Vanilla

Crown Royal XO

Forty Creek Cream

Gooderham & Worts Four Grain

Last Mountain Cask Strength

Lot No 40

Lot No 40 Cask Strength 12 year old

Masterson’s 10 year old Rye

Two Brewers Peated single malt

Wiser’s 150th Commemerative

Wiser’s 35 year old

Wiser’s Dissertation

Wiser’s Last Barrels

Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye

Wiser’s Union 52

Wiser’s Vanilla

And speaking of whisky books…

Early reports from bookstores and on-line sellers tell us sales are brisk for the newly updated Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert.

The Macallan 40 Years Old – 2017 Release is a rare single malt and testament to the exceptional sherry oak casks that define the entire Sherry Oak range.

Matured for a minimum of 40 years in an intriguing combination of three different types of sherry-seasoned casks, this is a single malt with a distinctive style and intense character; defined by dried fruits, ginger, wood spice and cinnamon with a natural deep copper colour.

This release will be limited to 465 bottles worldwide and we’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to secure a chance to purchase one of a limited number of bottles being made available through a ballot from The Macallan Online Shop.

If you are interested in owning this highly limited release, please follow the link below before 23:59 UK time on 27th February 2018 and complete the ballot entry information and instructions. We will send you a confirmation email with additional details that confirms your entry into the ballot.

ENTER THE BALLOT                     EXPLORE THE RELEASE

The 40 Years Old – 2017 Release will be sold in the ballot at £6,250 (70cl) and includes delivery but the final price will be subject to local taxes and duties as they apply to the shipping destination.

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Delivery of whisky products from The Macallan Online Shop is currently available to 27 countries.
• The RRP is £6,250 (70cl) but the final price will be subject to local taxes and duties as they apply to the shipping destination
• Entries to the ballot will close at 23:59 UK time on 27th February 2018.
• All required fields must be completed and submitted to confirm your entry. All eligible entries will receive a confirmation email.
• By entering the ballot you are not making a purchase and there is no obligation to buy, even if you are successful in the ballot.
• Due to the scarcity of this release, all entries and any resulting purchases are strictly limited to one per person only.
• We aim to notify all successful entrants by email no later than the end of March 2018.
• Full terms and conditions for the ballot can be found here. If you have any questions please see the FAQs.

An Islay Masterclass

It’s not quite time for the Islay Festival, but you can take a masterclass in how the signature Islay peat and smoke notes are crafted with the latest release in Bruichladdich’s Octomore Masterclass range available to pre-order now.

Only available while stocks last
International Shipping

Octomore Masterclass_08.4 Virgin Oak

The fourth Masterclass release is an 8 year old single malt distilled in 2009 using barley peated to 170ppm. First-fill virgin oak casks held 20% of the spirit for the full maturation, with the remaining 80% in first-fill American ex-bourbon casks before being transferred to the virgin oak casks that had been used to mature Octomore 07.4. Limited to just 12,000 bottles worldwide.

The nose has banana bread, honeyed oak and a peppery phenolic note before toffee, vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is rich and smooth; leather, toasted oak and honey combining with praline, coconut and a delicate smoke. The finish has fading notes of cloves and aniseed with the iconic Octomore smoke lingering on.

£150 Pre-Order Now
Orders will be dispatched w/c 26th February

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The GlenDronach & Glenglassaugh

We cater to all tastes here at Loch Fyne Whiskies, from peaty to fruity, Highland to Island, and everything in between! No matter your preference, this week’s new arrivals are sure to please with some fantastic expressions from The GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh including peated and unpeated, as well as sherry cask and port cask finishes.

Next day UK delivery available
We ship all over the world!

Glenglassaugh

Peated Port Wood  £72

GlenDronach

Peated Port Wood Finish £72

 Glenglassaugh

1986 30 Year Old £310

GlenDronach

1994 22 Year Old £210

Glenmorangie “Spios” Private Edition Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

The 9th release of the award winning “Private Edition” from Glenmorangie is a true labor of love for their Chief Whisky Creation officer, Dr Bill Lumsden. The good doctor explains that his obsession with rye whiskey (in particular the casks that had previously aged that rare American whiskey) began when famed Whisky & Beer writer Michael Jackson visited the distillery with a sample of the historical American whiskey. It was Bill’s first time diving into one of the America’s great spirits and at the time, sometime in the 90s, Rye whiskey was next to impossible to acquire. It took Dr. Bill a full decade to secure casks that had previously only held whiskey from Kentucky distilled with Rye as the big grain. Into he put the majestic and elegant Glenmo spirit an approximately another decade later released this special whisky. Spios, a Gaelic word meaning spiced, is as pointed with the rye casks as you might expect. Cinnamon, clove, hints of nutmeg and sweet creamy vanilla from the American oak work wonders around the fruity open Glenmo malt. For anyone who appreciates the excellent malts being released in this wonderful line of limited edition whiskies as well as single malt drinkers seeking new and exciting flavor profiles, this is a must buy.

$99.99

FIND YOUR FLAVOUR MATCH

Prepare your senses as we take a journey through our ever-changing variety of single cask whiskies. All 12 of our flavour profiles are available online now with something for all tastes, moods and occasions – visit our online shop to find your favourite flavour match.

EXPLORE FLAVOURS                 VISIT SHOP

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