Day 9 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition Day 9 Blog #142 – Single Cask Nation Loch Lomond (Croftengea) 10 Year Old

Here we are on day 9 of our little jaunt through the glens and moors of Scotland. Today we welcome back Single Cask Nation to the lineup. You may remember a particularly delicious Undisclosed Islay from the 2nd Editon that was their debut. Thanks to Joshua and Jason for spending time rooting through warehouses in Scotland to find us today’s dram.

“It’s a Highland Jim but not as we know it”. Loch Lomond is a distillery in the Highlands that was originally founded in 1814 and there are no actual records of exactly when it closed. The Loch Lomond distillery as it stands today was founded in 1964 by the then owners of the famed but closed Littlemill distillery.

Certainly industrial by Scottish standards Loch Lomond is a work horse of a distillery. Unique among distilleries Loch Lomond opened a Grain distillery in 1994 and was at the time the only distillery in Scotland able to produce both Grain and Malt whisky.

Croftengea is the proprietary name for their peated range of Single Malts that to my knowledge is not seen here outside of the odd independently bottled cask.

Single Cask Nation Loch Lomond Croftengea Peated Highland Single Malt bottled at a cask strength of 55.6% with no chill filtration or colour. Aged in a refill Bourbon Hogshead cask number 486. 10 Years Old.

We have had a few refill Hogsheads so far and for good reason. Using a refill cask can work well in leaving vibrant fruit characteristics that would otherwise be drowned out by a first fill barrel.

Color:   Light again as you would expect but as we have come to learn so far light in color does not mean light in taste. This might be our lightest whisky so far in the 3rd edition and is saved from being almost clear by the tiniest fleck of gold.

Nose:   Pan fried Lamb chops and roasted root vegetables that get all crusty and almost burnt. Pumpkin, Potato, Broccoli and Carrots. This is like Sunday dinner in a glass.

Palate:   Wow thick and unctuous with smoldering rubber and a lovely bitterness that only adds more depth. completely fills the palate with an oily mouth feel that reaches out to every crevice. Some creamier aspects flow along adding just a soft sweet ride to it all.

Finish:   Finally there is some fruit that peeks through all the vegetables and for me it is burnt citrus and specifically thick skinned blood orange cut in half and grilled. The finish rolls on and down warming right to the heart.

Fantastic peated Highland that will fulfill all those peat lovers dreams and maybe take some Highland loving folk along for the ride as well.

Lets see what whiskylassie has to say about this here.

In the third edition on day 9 we had the monster Glen Moray from A.D. Rattray that I mentioned yesterday in comparison to our behemoth Glenrothes from Malt Whisky Company. You can read all about it here.

There will be bottles available of this dram so please email me and I will point you in the right direction. jonathan@secretspirits.com

Well onward and upward as they say.

Tomorrow we head back to Speyside for another single cask from the folk at A.D. Rattray.

See you then

Slainte

Jonathan – Taster of Secrets

www.singlemalting.com/

International Beverage, Alan Winchester, Malts of Scotland and Ian Millar of William Grant & Sons among those recognised in Whisky Magazine‘s top awards

The finest products, companies and individuals were recognised at one of Whisky Magazine’s most prestigious awards ceremonies held at the Surgeons’ Hall, Edinburgh on Friday 2 December 2016.

Whisky author and writer Charlie MacLean, hosted a lunch for the Scotch whisky industry alongside Whisky Magazine‘s managing editor Rupert Wheeler, and Scotland contributing editor Gavin D Smith. Guests made the journey from all across Scotland, including the Islands, to take part in the celebrations.

During the afternoon, three of the magazine’s top awards were presented including:

• Icons of Whisky Scotland 2017
• Independent Bottlers Challenge 2016
• Hall of Fame

Rupert Wheeler says: “As managing editor of Whisky Magazine, it is a privilege to be involved in these awards. Our Independent Bottlers Challenge rewards the independent companies that play such an important part in producing a unique range of whiskies while the Icons of Whisky pay tribute to the expertise that go into each bottle of Scotch. “Our Hall of Fame recognises those people who have made a longstanding contribution to the world of whisky. I would like to congratulate both Ian Millar and Charles MacLean on being inducted this year. I first met Charlie in Bengaluru, India in 2014 where we were presenting the Icons of Whisky India awards. I have never witnessed a more appreciative audience as when Charlie addressed the haggis. A superb evening enjoyed by so many whisky enthusiasts… that’s what whisky is all about. “And finally I would like to thank the international panel of judges and our sponsors for helping make these awards so worthwhile and rewarding.”

ICONS OF WHISKY SCOTLAND

THE RESULTS

Distiller Sponsored by Glencairn Crystal Winner: International Beverage (Inver House Distillers) HC: Beam Suntory

Brand Innovator Sponsored by Multi Packaging Solutions Winner: Tomatin Distillery Company HC: Douglas Laing & Co

Visitor Attraction Sponsored by Christie’s Winner: Highland Park Distillery HC: Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Craft Producer Sponsored by Wade Winner: Glasgow Distillery Company HC: Arbikie Highland Estate

Master Distiller / Master Blender Winner: Alan Winchester, The Glenlivet Distillery HC: Dr Craig Wilson, Diageo

 Distillery Manager Sponsored by Broxburn Properties Winner: Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Company HC: Gordon Bruce – Knockdhu Distillery

Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador Sponsored by Procurus Winner: George S Grant, J&G Grant (Glenfarclas) HC: Gordon Dundas, Beam Suntory

Visitor Attraction Manager Winner: Rikki Scott, Aberlour Distillery HC: Leigh Aitken, Lagavulin Distillery

Multiple Outlets Retailer Sponsored by Amrut Distilleries Winner: Robert Graham HC: Drinkmonger   S

ingle Outlet Retailer Winner: Gordon & MacPhail HC: Royal Mile Whiskies   Online Retailer Winner: Royal Mile Whiskies, www.royalmilewhiskies.com HC: Robbie’s Whisky Merchants, www.robbieswhiskymerchants.com

Travel Retailer Sponsored by Steklarna Hrastnik Winner: World of Whiskies, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports HC: The Fly Nip Whisky Shop, Inverness Airport

Supermarket Winner: Tesco HC: Lidl

For full Icons of Whisky results including shortlists, go to www.iconsofwhisky.com

INDEPENDENT BOTTLERS CHALLENGE

THE RESULTS

Non-Scotch Independent Bottler of the year Celtic Whiskey Shop Campbeltown Independent Bottler of the year The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Grain Independent Bottler of the year Malts of Scotland

Highland Independent Bottler of the year Douglas Laing & Co

Islands Independent Bottler of the year That Boutique-y Whisky Company

Islay Independent Bottler of the year Malts of Scotland

Lowland Independent Bottler of the year The Vintage Malt Whisky Company

Speyside Independent Bottler of the year Malts of Scotland

THE INDEPENDENT BOTTLER OF THE YEAR 2016 Malts of Scotland This independent bottler is based in Germany and has distributors worldwide. The company offers a range of highly exclusive whiskies from over 80 Scottish distilleries to the trade, whisky clubs and to individuals. Malts of Scotland provides a cask selection service with a tasting in the warehouse. If required, the team will produce individually labelled bottles complete with club, company or hotel logo.

Christmas Gift Edit

The Advent Calendars are open and Shakin’ Stevens is on the radio. It can only mean one thing: Christmas is coming!

If the words “Christmas shopping” strike fear in your heart then The Whisky Shop is here to help. We’ve brought some of our favourite gift ideas together into one place so you can have Christmas all wrapped up in just a few clicks. And with free delivery on orders over £100, you needn’t brave the shopping centre crush!

Next day delivery available on UK orders Free delivery on orders over £100

Andy at Malt Box reviews Teachers Highland Cream

https://youtu.be/YD0r54gPUv0

Day 8 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition Day 8 Blog #141 – Malt Whisky Company Glenrothes 8 Year Old 

G’day Sherry Cask lovers…. Today is for you. The peat geeks get their hit every week so shouldn’t you have a turn on a regular basis?

In the bustling (I use that term lightly as Scotland is generally anything but) region of Speyside where most of the Scottish distilleries exist there is one that keeps making appearances in our calendars. Glenrothes seen by many as a fairly innocuous house style has really shined for us with these single cask independently bottled expressions.

The Malt Whisky owned by Scottish legend extraordinaire Stuart Nickerson was one of the big hits in the 2nd edition showcasing especially how amazing younger Single Malt can be

Glenrothes was built in 1878 and started producing the year after. The distillery is owned by the Edrington Group who used the bulk of it’s production for brands like Cutty Sark and Famous Grouse however in a twist that only Scotland can manage the Single Malt brand is owned by Berry Bros. & Rudd. Glenrothes has survived 4 major fires over the course of its life and as such is probably the hardiest distillery in Scotland. In cat lives does that mean it has 5 left?

Malt Whisky Company Glenrothes 8 Year Old – Bottled at the cask strength of 64.2%, no chill filtration or caramel of course. Cask number 37602 a refill Oloroso Hogshead.

Color:   A lovely reddish glow winking at the sherry influence and pretty decent for only 8 years and refill. Every cask is unique and this is a great example of that.

Nose:   Bovril (thick salty meat extract) and dark chocolate, burnt caramel mixed with a bag of asian spices, turmeric, paprika, cardamon and red chili flakes. This nose is immense and broods quietly like a trap door spider waiting patiently for a passing cricket.

Palate: Freaking delicious and initially no where near the 64.2% on the tongue that I was expecting. Going down however all the way from the back of the throat right past the core to that warm center of my being it leaves a lasting trail. Juicy and coating with an oily parafin feel that keeps pumping flavor into every taste bud. Sweet vermouth and bitters, spices continuing from the nose into rich sherried notes.

Finish:   This whisky will love you for a very long time……. a very long time. The sherry really makes itself felt on the finish finally climbing over those spicy notes and leaving a lasting rich sweetness.

Water:   Just had to try a little splash of water in this beast. Second only to the huge A.D. Rattray Glen Moray of the second edition which was 64.8% this is an anomaly to say the least and especially for a Glenrothes. More of that caramel note and sweetness rises above the meaty spice. More sherry influence here and creamy cocoa with the water taming it a great deal. I think that the raw unbridled power of this whisky at 64.2% is just amazing and today that is how my palate is screaming at me to drink it.

Wow Stuart what an amazing cask of Glenrothes. I never thought I would have something from this distillery that would be so huge. I love my job.

Well sherry faithful did that tide you over for a bit? If you like this whisky lucky for you there are a few and only a few bottles coming to Canada. Please email me at jonathan@secretspirits.com if you want to find out where you can get it.

Whiskylassie is delving deep into this one and has posted her thoughts here.

In the second edition we had on day 8 the Wemyss Malts Dark Treacle Fondant Craigellachie and you can revisit it here.

Tomorrow after we all recover our sense of taste we will be heading back to the Highlands and the first offering from an independent bottler that made their lone debut in the 2nd edition. Single Cask Nation bring something unique and intriguing to the table.

See you then

Slainte!

Jonathan – Taster of Secrets

 CHRISTMAS PARCELS: RICH TREASURE CHEST

WOW!  Our wonderfully sensual Christmas Parcels Outturn has arrived with an explosion of full-bodied goodness.  This rich collection boasts some of our most interesting and exclusive single casks of the year.  Our treasure chest of Panel-picked presents with 4 festive parcels and 5 sensational single casks – including the return of a peaty favourite, not to mention our beloved bourbon, a special occasion Old & dignified malt plus two new distilleries (cognac and rye whiskey).

Shop the new Outturn online now >

Discover more about C3.1 and read new reviews on our blog > 

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

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Now then, Jack Daniels. A Brand known around the world for their unique style of American Whisky, Tennessee Whisky. A style that only themselves and George Dickel create through the use of charcoal mellowing in large vats. Now, this whisky is simply the standard No.7 Black Label that we all know rather well, but it has been bottled at 43% ABV compared to the usual 40%. As a direct result it will allow a few more esters and interesting flavour points battle through to the drinker. 

The Master Distillers range has been put in place to showcase that only seven men have taken the helm of JD and these bottle, with their simple presentation and nostalgic flavour help to cement the fact that we owe a lot to JD as whisky fans. Enjoy! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zTYdnfT3kQ

Day 7 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition Day 7 Blog #140 – Samaroli Allt a Bhainne 2008

Welcome back to the end of the first full week of whisky tasting through the 3rd edition. What a fun ride so far with some new players in the mix and a lot of different drams and wee bottles that have hit the recycling bin.

Today as promised we are getting our geek on with one of my favorite Independent Bottlers, Samaroli. Founded in 1968 by Silvano Samaroli they were at the time the only independent bottler outside of the UK buying up a bunch of casks and also laying down casks of their own. Bottling from a uniquely Italian perspective, Samaroli always look for the delicate complexity that is a feature of some of the best Scotches in the world. Just to make it 100% clear Samaroli source and bottle all their Scotch whisky in Scotland it just so happens that they get samples sent to Rome where Cindy and I get to travel to pick their whiskies every year (how did we make this up).

Allt a Bhainne (pronounced Olta-VAYne) is now owned by Pernod Ricard after being purchased from the closing Canadian Seagrams Group in 2000. Built in 1975 the bulk of its production goes into the Chivas Regal blends. Difficult to find as a Single Malt, even the odd independent bottling seems to be few and far between. The distillery started in 2010 to produce 50% of it’s output as a lightly peated whisky as Chivas needed some additional weight for some of its blends but does not own a distillery on Islay. The peated version of Allt a Bhainne is about 10ppm on the phenolic scale so still fairly light as far as peat goes.

Today’s whisky comes before that change and so should be peat free (sorry for the peat heads, you just had a dram a few days ago so chill already).

Samaroli Allt a Bhainne Single Malt 2008 – 8 Year Old aged in a lightly toasted new American Oak Hogshead and bottled at the Samaroli chosen percent of 43% without any color or chill filtration. Cask number 900853. Speyside.

Color:   Light as you would expect from Samaroli. Heck even the 30 year old Linkwood from the 2nd edition was incredibly light in color after 30 years. This one is no exception to that rule with only the tiniest touch of golden hue making it look like a lightly aged Sauv Blanc.

Nose:   Honeysuckle and tee tree bark. Alpine meadow complete with a fresh mountain stream.

Palate: OK seriously Italian dudes, wow. From the nose I was not expecting the explosion of taste on the palate. Sweet loving flavors of epic proportions. Intense floral notes of rose petals and violets underpinned with a cache of rich vanilla infused potpourri.

Finish: Fresh white chewy Nougat with almonds, rosemary and a hint of spearmint.

This is by far the very best Allt a Bhainne I have ever had (only had half a dozen or so) and only 8 years old. Got to love the Samaroli new oak aging. I wish more Scottish distilleries and independent bottlers would play with new oak and different toasting/charring levels. These are ingredients in whisky making that are largely ignored mostly due to tradition more than anything else.

50ml is not enough of this whisky and I am happy to let you know that there will be some full bottles available. Please email me at jonathan@secretspirits.com and I can tell you where to get it.

Whiskylassie has been having a blast and I am keen to see her tasting note on this beaut of a Samaroli here.

In the 2nd edition on this day we had the gorgeous Samaroli 18 year old Strathisla and you can read all about it here. Another coincidence like this and you are going to think I actually planned it all bwahahahaha.

Tomorrow we are staying in Speyside again but with an offering from the Malt Whisky Company aged in an Oloroso Sherry Cask. Until then dream about delicious drams and happy days.

Slainte

Jonathan – taster of Secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/

Loch Fyne Liqueurs

Sweets for your sweet!

For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, Hamish has just the thing!

The Loch Fyne Liqueur, with it’s delicious notes of chocolate orange and tangerine, has been a firm favourite of our customers for many years now. This year we have added a brand new expression to our range with The Loch Fyne Honey & Ginger Liqueur which takes two classic flavours and combines them with a healthy dose of our famous Loch Fyne Blend.

Whichever one you choose, our liqueurs are guaranteed to delight that special someone in your life.

Next day delivery available on UK orders We ship worldwide

Day 6 of the Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 

Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 3rd Edition Day 6 Blog #139 – Ainneamh Highland 18 Year Old

Ainneamh (pronounced any-oov) means a rare thing in Gaelic and is an apt name for the independent bottling company owned by Brian Woods and Scott Watson. Releasing only a small number of bottling’s each year means that this whisky geek pair seek out only the most delicious drams. Today we visit the Highlands of Scotland and taste an undisclosed 18 Year Old Single Malt aged in a refill American Oak Hogshead.

I’ve been sworn to secrecy on the distillery but can give you a bit of a clue. It’s a difficult name to pronounce and so the house style of their Single Malt was called something completely unrelated to the name of the distillery.

I am a big fan of what most people think of as the “Highland” style of Single Malt. There is of course a lot of blurring of the lines these days but Honey and Heather have been two hallmarks of quintessential Highland Malt.

Ainneamh Highland 18 Year Old Single Malt – Aged in a refill American Hogshead barrel bottled at a natural cask strength of 57%

 Color:   Another light in color whisky after 18 years in a refill barrel.

Nose:   Lemon drop candies and ripe pear halves. A hint of salty sea air adds a layer to the otherwise fresh and crips nose.

Palate:   A teaspoon of malt powder stirred with some creamed honey. Oak influence is nicely subtle on this allowing even more fruit like ripe honeydew and Starfruit to appear.

Finish:   Long and zesty at 57% and the melon just keeps on coming. Like the ubiquitous side of honeydew and cantaloupe with your Eggs Benedict.

Lovely breakfast dram if ever there was one. I think I might have to put that to the test sometime soon.

Ainneamh does bottle whiskies with declared distilleries as well as undisclosed. Unfortunately this delicious dram was all snapped up to fill the calendar bottles and a few 700ml’s that were sold locally in Scotland. If you are looking for more of this then grabbing another 3rd edition will be your only chance.

Let’s check out what Whiskylassie has to say about today’s dram here.

In the 2nd edition on this day we visited the excellent Highland Distillery, Tullibardine (another coincidence that we had Highland today) from the eyes of The Malt Whisky Company. You can read or re-read it here.

It’s been really fun to be able to bring you some new small independent bottlers to add to the mix and offer up even more variety as we work to keep the 25 new whiskies in each edition interesting and unique.

Tomorrow we head back to Speyside for the first Samaroli in the 3rd edition. Any of you that have read some of my blogs know that I love the Samaroli style of bottling whisky so I can’t wait.

See you tomorrow

Slainte

Jonathan – Taster of Secrets

http://www.singlemalting.com/