The Arran 18 year-old scotch whisky is a wonderfully balanced expression of Arran Single Malt which displays the tremendous depth of character of their Distillery. Caramelised citrus and tropical notes on a background of toasted oak have created an intense, well rounded dram with charm and personality. A luxurious mix of their finest aged Sherry Casks, this fully mature expression of Arran Single Malt is exceptional.

£120.00

Tasting notes:

Nose: Orchard fruits with syrup and toasted oak

Palate: Caramelised orange, dark chocolate, baked peaches

Finish: Sweetness, Spice, Citrus, Baked peaches.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Maker’s Mark Names Master Distiller

The Iconic Kentucky Bourbon Continues to Lead in Pursuit of Better Flavor and a Better World with Key Appointments

November 2024 – Loretto, KY. – Maker’s Mark, the iconic Kentucky bourbon driven by the pursuit of better flavor and a better world, has announced Dr. Blake Layfield as the brand’s next Master Distiller and Beth Buckner as lead blender.

“Visionary leadership has been a critical and consistent factor in the success of Maker’s Mark, from the moment Bill Sr. and Margie Samuels decided to create something completely different in the bourbon category 70 years ago,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “Blake embodies the brand’s commitment to culture, quality and a higher purpose, and I am thrilled he and the Maker’s Mark leadership team are guardians of the brand’s legacy and vanguards driving the brand forward.”

In this key leadership role, Blake Layfield will oversee the consistency and taste vision of Maker’s Mark bourbon, as well as new product innovation. In addition, Layfield will advance the many environmental and agricultural initiatives on Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark distillery – enhancing flavor through nature and leading the industry to a more sustainable future.

Since joining Suntory Global Spirits from Diageo in 2019, Layfield has held a series of R&D and quality leadership roles in Kentucky, serving most recently as senior director of innovation, blending and quality for Maker’s Mark.  Layfield holds a doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC and a General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is also Co-Chair on the Research Committee of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and serves on the board of the James B. Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky.

Layfield will continue to be supported by the talented Beth Buckner in her role as lead blender, a critical position as the brand continues to innovate to deliver incredible experiences for consumers. Buckner began her tenure at Maker’s Mark in 2013 and her exceptional palate, creativity, and leadership qualities led to her significant role in the development of the acclaimed Wood Finishing Series. Buckner leads the brand’s push for innovation and the complex, fine art of blending.

Continuing to oversee all operations is Kim Harmon, general manager at the distillery. She joined Maker’s Mark in 2019 as director of safety and sustainability, and among other achievements, was instrumental in Maker’s Mark’s B Corp certification in 2022 – a milestone achievement within the industry. Harmon’s career, with tenures at Heaven Hill and Suntory Global Spirits, can be characterized by exceptional vision and a highly effective and collaborative leadership style. She also exemplifies the Maker’s Mark culture of pursuing perfection, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com

About Maker’s Mark®   

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky. Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon’s name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way.

In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged, all Double Gold winners of the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as Maker’s Mark Private Selection: the brand’s custom barrel program.  Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.

As we hear and heed warnings about high pressure over Greenland and cold Arctic air tumbling towards our island, it’s clear seasonal change is afoot.

Officially, the season really should begin on the 21st of December with the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. But, our Irish and Swedish friends will tell us that November 1st was the day that matters, farmers far and wide would point to Martinmas on the 11th as the marker, and meteorologists will insist that December is the date for your diary.

Here in Harris it’s probably a more phenological and gut feeling thing, as we witness nature’s fading, bemoan the local ferry delays, and realise that the dark nights are well and truly here. So, we’re declaring it now. Light the fires, get the drams in, and let winter begin!

Wherever you are in the world reading this, we wish you a fine season ahead and invite you to read on to discover ways to keep your hearts warm and island spirits high as it all unfolds…

Have a great weekend from all of us here in Harris!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

Our historic single malt whisky takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for a native of Harris. Like many words in our language, it can sometime be a little tricky to trip off the tongue. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to pronounce our whisky’s name, let our islanders help you out with a wee film we made. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try it out with friends, family, bartenders, and in your favourite spirits stores this winter…just say The Hearach!

WATCH THE FILM ON VIMEO

When the weather outside is frightful, there are few things more appealing than the prospect of a fireside dram, particularly if you’ve just escaped inclement island weather. The Hearach single malt was made for drinking, and the elegant, complex flavours captured in every glass promise a perfect pour at this time of year.

Gentle aromas of peat smoke give way to notes of toasted malt in your glass as flavours of apple, wildflowers, spice, clotted cream and candied sweets unwind. It’s a true Outer Hebridean whisky and full of local character. Simply order your bottle online or from your nearest stockist, and open to discover more…

DISCOVER THE HEARACH SINGLE MALT

The second expression of our whisky-making brings plenty of warmth to the proceedings this season, thanks to its connections to southern Spain. The Oloroso First Fill Cask Matured single malt draws wonderfully rich, bold, and aromatic flavours from sherry butts sourced from this special region of Andalusia.

The results bring a fine array of winter spices and woodsmoke to the dram, alongside festive notes like cloves, dried oranges and white chocolate. If you’re looking for something which captures a sense of an island Christmas, the one’s for you and yours…

It’s a delicious dram designed to be enjoyed with friends and family so order yours and open to discover more…

DISCOVER THE HEARACH OLOROSO CASK

Old Elk “Rum Cask Finish” Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) (Elsewhere $100) $20 View

According to the distillery: “Finished in 14-year-old Barbados rum barrels, Rum Cask Finish offers a harmonious balance of richness and complexity. It features aromas of allspice and a bold, complex flavor profile, ending with tobacco and overripe pineapple.”

Booker’s “Master Distiller’s Batch” #2024-03 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $89.99 View

This #2024-03 rendition is the third in Booker’s Master Distillers Batch series. It aged more than 7 years in new white oak barrels and was bottled at 103.3 proof.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Aultmore Distillery

Bacardi Invests in Future of Premium Scotch Whisky With Multi-Million Pound Distillery and Warehousing Investments

As winter creeps in, the most of us on the distillery team are lucky to be able to work indoors much of the time. The Spirit Hall is lovely and warm when the bright copper stills are in full swing and the peat fire in the public areas keeps hands and hearts warm.

Of course, there are always deliveries to the courtyard and casks to transport as the weather does its worst but the shelter of the warehouse office or staffroom is usually never too far away.

So, we spare a thought for our fellow islanders who work outdoors on land and sea, from fishermen and salmon farmers to crofters and Calmac ferry folk, at this time of year.

And then there’s the delivery men and postwomen who help keep our island spirit flowing from Harris to the wider world and our distillery supplied with everything we need to make our whisky.

So, here’s to all the hard working people of the Outer Hebrides helping to make these islands and our communities what they are, particularly as the days darken.

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

The Hearach single malt is our first historic release and every drop has been proudly distilled, matured, married, and bottled here in the Isle of Harris. Made by one of the youngest teams of home-grown distillers in the country, from the softest of Scottish water, it’s a delicious dram designed for drinking.

Uncork the stopper to enjoy an elegant and complex Outer Hebridean whisky full of character which, just like the island, reveals itself over time. Expect hints of peat smoke, apple sauce, and toasted malt in your glass as flavours of wildflowers, spice, clotted cream and candied sweets unfold.

Buy your bottle online or from your nearest stockist, and open it to discover more…

BUY YOUR BOTTLE OF THE HEARACH

Exciting news for our friends across the pond as The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured officially arrives stateside… Look out for it on shelves near you this week and find your nearest stockist in the USA with our online stockist map.

Rich, bold, and aromatic, our new expression of The Hearach celebrates the connections between the sherry region of Spain and our Outer Hebridean spirit making. So, from Jerez to Harris, we invite you to explore the scents and sensory experience of The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured single malt this season.

It’s a delicious dram made to be enjoyed so order yours and open to discover more…

BUY THE HEARACH OLOROSO

GET TO KNOW AMERICAN WHISKEY

Thanksgiving is coming, which means this is the perfect time to explore the diverse world of American whiskey. Bourbon, rye – and increasingly American single malt – tend to be a little punchier than other whiskies, with a rich vein of spice and vanilla that makes them ideal for Autumn.

These are some of our favourite American whiskies of the moment, including timeless classics like Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon from Buffalo Trace to relative newcomers like Westland distillery which makes single malt in Seattle.

Whether you’re used to Scotch and Japanese whisky and you’re looking for something new, or if you’re a seasoned bourbon fan, we’ve got the perfect bottles to enjoy this autumn.

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HARMONY COLLECTION #4
VIBRANT OAK

70cl | 44.2% ABV

The fourth release in the Harmony Collection has been created in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil to tell the story of the cask maturation in an imaginative, visual and innovative way. Cirque du Soleil’s world-renowned circus shows inspire change through creativity and art. In perfect harmony, The Macallan and Cirque du Soleil combine their crafts to present this enchanting release.

Expertly created by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team, this Single Malt was matured in a combination of first fill sherry seasoned American oak casks and refill sherry casks. These casks have been carefully selected to deliver the classic American oak flavours of vanilla, citrus and sweet oak, naturally derived from the cask during maturation, with a medium, sweet finish that delicately lingers.

£159.95

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TASTING NOTES:

Nose
Intense vanilla bean accompanied by sweet sherbet and lime zest gives way to fragrant pears nestled in delicate vanilla sponge cake.

Palate
Creamy vanilla panna cotta, buttery shortbread, lightly toasted coconut with almond brittle, apple and sweet oak.

Finish
Medium, sweet with lingering vanilla.

We have partnered with bars and restaurants across the UK to celebrate The Macallan 200 Years Young. Each venue will have a limited availability of TIME : SPACE Mastery to savour by the dram, or in cocktails that highlight the time travel of mixology through classic serves created with a modern twist. Locate your nearest hospitality venue and join us in celebrating this special 200th year.

VIEW LOCATIONS

+TIME : SPACE COLLECTION

Whisky making is like time travel: what we bottle today was created many years in the past, and the spirit we lay down in casks now is destined for many years in the future. Through time travelling, we learn from the past and look to the future.

Two limited expressions, two journeys through time.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

There are some things every festive table should have, so this Christmas, make sure to give the gift of time. Whether it’s festive whiskies, exquisite whisky gifts or distillery experience gift vouchers, save a place for Glengoyne at your table this year.

EXPLORE FULL CHRISTMAS GIFTING GUIDE