Winners of the Icons of Whisky Scottish Independent Bottler of the Year 2024!

For the third year in a row Paul and I collected the Independent bottler of the year award!

The award is based on a combination of a written entry and a submission of Whiskies that are judged by the Icon’s judges in competition with other entrants.

For us, winning is a huge achievement and an unexpected one when taken into context the competition and the demands required to win each year. We are still the same team of four that won it three years ago but we have continued to grow our operation with the Annex site which is allowing us to closely manage our casks so we are only releasing the very best spirit possible.

Thank you to all of our customers that have continued to purchase our releases despite what has been a challenging year!

Best,

Gregor

And that wraps up this special edition of the Lady of the Glen Newsletter. We hope it’s inspired you to try a dram! We always want to hear from you, so if you have any feedback, comments or suggestions, please feel free to email gregor.hannah@ladyoftheglen.com

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Kentucky Distillers’ Association
Welcomes General George Stillhouse
as Newest Craft Member

Farm Distillery Shows Off Kentucky’s Heritage, Combining Agriculture and Bourbon On-Site

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced General George Stillhouse in Grayson County as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Located in Falls of Rough, General George Stillhouse was established in 2022 by Travis Wilson, a professor at Western Kentucky University. The farm distillery is located on property once owned by George Washington three miles from Rough River State Park.

General George Stillhouse operates two pot stills within their 7,000 square foot production facility. A third still will arrive next summer, allowing them to increase production to 12 barrels daily.

Expansion plans include a rickhouse, bottling line, additional staff and a tasting room in the next phase of the buildout.

KDA President Eric Gregory congratulated Wilson on his endeavor and noted this is the first distillery in Grayson County in south-central Kentucky. There are now distilleries operating or set to open in nearly 50 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.

“The vision, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of new craft distillers like General George Stillhouse showcases the history and backbone of our extensive distilling heritage here in Kentucky,” Gregory said.

“We are proud to support Travis and his team in their venture, and we look forward to working with them and our friends in Grayson County. We are honored to officially welcome General George Stillhouse to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

Wilson said the Kentucky Distillers’ Association has been supportive by providing resources and connections.

“We at General George Stillhouse are excited to become members of the Kentucky Distillers Association,” Wilson said. “The organization’s long heritage and leadership in making Bourbon central to Kentucky’s identity is one of many reasons for us to join.”

“As lifelong Kentuckians, we are honored to be members of the world’s premier spirits association.”

Learn more at https://www.ggstillhouse.com.

General George Stillhouse joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging between 1 and 10,000 barrels per year. The KDA now has more than 60 member distilleries, the most since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition.

“Kentucky Bourbon entrepreneurs are showing people across the world how to do Bourbon right. Combining a passion for Kentucky, spirits, and making a difference in their local communities through job creation, tourism and agriculture,” Gregory said.

“Bourbon brings people together. And together, distillers are able to support each other and continue to innovate and grow the world-renowned industry that builds Kentucky while telling our story across the globe.”

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Advances its Pursuit of Flavor Through Nature With the Filling of its First Certified Regenified Barrel

Douglas Laing Unveils Exclusive XOP Scallywag Tormore 35 Years Old: A Culmination of Craftsmanship and Canine Charisma

Douglas Laing & Co. is proud to reveal the latest limited-edition bottling as part of their 75^th Anniversary: the XOP Scallywag Tormore 35 Years Old. This special release marks a momentous collaboration between the family’s feisty fox terrier and the prestigious XOP series, creating a celebration-worthy Single Cask Single Malt that is sure to captivate whisky enthusiasts.

This exclusive bottling is a testament to Douglas Laing’s commitment to craftsmanship and a nod to the legacy of independent bottling that has defined the company for three-quarters of a century.

Tasting Notes are said to bring “A sweet symphony of vanilla essence, decadent dark chocolate, and spiced oak on the nose. The palate delivers a velvety journey where juicy red berries dance alongside warming cinnamon spice and candied orange peel. The grand finale is marked by an elegant and enduring finish, leaving lingering hints of zesty orange and the indulgent essence of freshly baked fruitcake soaked in sherry.”

With only 285 bottles available globally, each numbered and presented in the signature XOP glass bottle and black suede gift box with certificate of authenticity, this XOP Scallywag Tormore 35 Years Old is destined to become a cherished addition to any discerning whisky enthusiast’s collection.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky commented:

“This limited-edition Single Cask Single Malt is a celebration of time, skill and the artistry of whisky-making. A toast to luxury, a nod to tradition, and the perfect embodiment of our 75th Anniversary celebrations—this exceptional bottling is a testament to our commitment to excellence and one we are extremely proud to share.”

Currently retailing for £750.00/€866.00 on douglaslaing.com and selected specialist retailers.

About Scallywag

Facebook: /scallywagwhisky
Instagram: @scallywagwhisky

A marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, only from the Speyside region of Scotland, Scallywag is matured predominantly in Sherry casks, affording the spirit a rich, dark colour and a deliciously fruity, chocolatey flavour profile. The multi-award winning Scotch Whisky belongs to Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts – “the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions” – also encompassing The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (from the Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

About Douglas Laing:
www.douglaslaing.com

Twitter/X: @DLaingWhisky

Facebook: @douglaslaingwhisky
Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distiller, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Islands (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

White Peak showcases Wire Works Full Port

& collaboration with Michelin Star Chef Sat Bains

White Peak Distillery from Derbyshire has added a special limited-edition whisky to their Wire Works collection for Christmas this year: Wire Works Full Port.

This latest special release of Wire Works has been matured exclusively in Tawny Port casks, giving it a rich marzipan, chocolate and cinder toffee flavour profile – perfect to enjoy and gift to whisky lovers this Christmas.

Wire Works Full Port is the first whisky from White Peak that has been fully matured entirely in Port casks, bottled at 52.4%, with just under 2,000 bottles available.

The port casks were chosen to compliment the lightly-peated Wire Works spirit and the cask supplier is borne out of a whisky-making ethos around provenance, heritage and flavour. For over 5 years, founders Max & Claire Vaughan, have worked closely with Sandra Dias and the team at her cooperage near Porto, Portugal. Dias Cooperage is a 4^th generation, family-run cooperage, producing quality oak casks in a time honoured way, that White Peak has selected for all of its wine casks.

Claire said: “We wanted to create a whisky that celebrates a twist on our provenance, heritage and flavour. We have visited the cooperage where we sourced our port casks from on numerous occasions and greatly admire the intimate style of the business, the highly-skilled small team and the traditional techniques used that are passed down through the generations of the same family. All these factors ensure that we are using casks of an exceptionally high quality, which lead to a complex maturation of our whisky, adding further layers of complexity to the final spirit.”

Max said: “With Wire Works Full Port we were looking to maintain the house style but with an explorative, complimentary new twist on what people might have previously tasted. On the nose, there’s lots of cinder toffee and burnt sugar, with marzipan, vanilla fudge and dark chocolate  coming through on the palate, and a bonfire toffee and hibiscus finish. Our Wire Works house style is ever present, but with some of the signature rich sweet notes amplified through the port wood influence.”

Wire Works Full Port is available now via specialist retailers and the Distillery, RRP: £67.

Wire Works Full Port:

Tasting Notes  

Cinder toffee, burnt sugar and cherry lozenges on the nose, with flavours of vanilla fudge, dark chocolate and marzipan on the palate with a bonfire toffee and hibiscus finish.

Nose

Bakewell pudding, milk chocolate, cinder toffee, burnt sugar, cinnamon buns, liquorice all sorts, cherry lozenges, toasted almond, candied ginger, strawberry jam.

Palate

Marzipan, strawberries and cream, tinned peaches, lemon curd, vanilla fudge, spearmint, dark chocolate, grapefruit zest and iced buns.

Finish

Cherry pie filling, bonfire toffee, hibiscus, biltong, and eucalyptus.

WHITE PEAK AND SAT BAINS COLLABORATE ON WIRE WORKS WHISKY:

In addition to Wire Works Full Port release, this festive season White Peak is also celebrating a partnership with leading Michelin Star Chef Sat Bains, renowned for his much-decorated Restaurant Sat Bains (RSB) in Nottingham.

Sat and his team at RSB visited the Distillery back in February to understand White Peak’s approach to whisky-making, taste some Wire Works whisky and share ideas on a possible collaboration.

The resulting whisky comprises three separate co-branded Wire Works / RSB releases. Each of the three whiskies has been crafted in very small batches that celebrate variety in taste, aroma and texture. English single malt whiskies with roots firmly in Derbyshire, where Sat – like Max and Claire – grew up.

After sampling numerous casks with the RSB team, the 3-bottle collection developed from one of the original first fill ex-bourbon barrels that the Distillery team filled back in 2018. The team then worked with Sat to understand what whiskies he enjoyed and arrived at two separate finishes to the ex-bourbon foundation spirit. The collection consists of 3 (very limited-edition) 90-bottle releases. RSB Cuvee #1 is full maturation ex-bourbon, RSB Cuvee #2 is finished in an Oloroso sherry quarter cask and RSB Cuvee #3 is finished in virgin English oak. All are bottled at 48% ABV.

Sat said: “As a Chef, I have been obsessed with flavour for as long as I can remember, it is something I am fortunate to create every day in my working life of over 35 years.​ ​The idea of creating a limited release whisky with Wire Works was a no brainer.” 

“​Meeting up with Max and his team at Wire Works and being asked to go on this incredible journey made so much sense, both of us from Derby celebrating our professions of flavour and taste. ​Picking the aging barrels based on my favourite cask finishes and tasting the whisky at each stage has been an eye opener into the level of detail and expertise this collaboration has harnessed”.

Wire Works Whisky RSB Cuvee Collection is available exclusively through the RSB website (whilst stocks last) from 6^th December.

White Peak Distillery is open Monday – Saturday for shop visitors, with tours available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December. For availability, timings and to book, please visit www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

White Peak Distillery Awards:

2022 and 2023 has seen White Peak also win numerous awards for their whiskies and packaging, as below:

UK Packaging Awards 2022:

• Corrugated Pack of the Year
• Best Packaging of a New Product
• Glass Pack of the Year, Spirits, Perfumes and Cosmetics

The Global World Whisky Masters 2022:

• Necessary Evil: Gold
• Small Batch: Gold

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2022:

• Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2023:

• Caduro: Gold

People’s Choice Awards 2023:

• Best Whisky: Wire Works Whisky Small Batch – World Whisky Category

2023 World Whisky Masters, Wire Works Caduro: Gold Medal

2023 World Whisky Masters, Wire Works Alter Ego: Master Medal

2023 Spirits Business Design and Packaging Masters, Wire Works Whisky: Master Medal

English Whisky Guild:

White Peak Distillery is one of the 11 founding members of the English Whisky Guild, that was established in 2022 by the English whisky industry to represent the interests of the increasing number of English whisky distilleries (currently 40+) on the world whisky stage.

For further information visit:  English Whisky Guild

One last update – Friend at Hand – Barántúil

We had to make an exception to sending out a rare press release because we keep getting so much good news, this will be the last one for a while but should leave you in a high.

1. Frend at Hand Exclusive – Barántúil – The Silent Valley – Gleann An Chiúnais
2. Killowen wins Gold – Again

Friend At Hand exclusive Barántúil – The Silent Valley – Gleann An Chiúnais

The legendary Friend At Hand Belfast is a mecca for whiskey enthusiasts with so many brands hoping to have an exclusive bottling there, only a few are ever approached. As such Killowen are delighted to be among them.

Belfast legend Willie Jack who many see as curator of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter has been as a pivotable to the blossoming of the city centre in recent decades. The iconic Hill Street, Duke of York and her umbrellas are just some of these examples and this exactly why Killowen are delighted to have a cask here.

The cask pays homage to the men of Mourne who built the Silent Valley in 1923 a century ago, as a water source for the expanding city, Silent Valley has created a connection between Belfast & The Mournes which continues to this day; with people, culture, trade & especially whiskey. Made predominantly with oats originating where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea, this bottling was slightly reduced in strength by Willie Jack himself using water drawn directly from Silent Valley on bottling day. Killowen has only produced three firkins of this incredible whiskey, each in a different cask. After years of contribution to Irish whiskey and to the city of Belfast, it is only fitting that the The Friend at Hand receive such a valued cask. The perfect spirit for Belfast’s most prestigious whiskey destination.

The small batch whiskey was then filled into a fresh Cabernet Sauvignon cask was reduced from litres to 70 litres, then re-charred to a medium toast before filling. This provides a red fruitiness that marries beautifully with the creaminess of the rare Mourne oats. This small cask only allowed us to fill 108 bottles of which only 50 are being sold by Friend at Hand – what’s more, they are only being sold to walk-ins.
Willy Jack and Jill went up the Hill

In order to fetch a pale of water Jack and I walked up the hill to The Silent Valley under the guidance of Joanne Jack. This wasn’t simply a fun excursion on a cold and wet November day but instead Willy was put to work to collect water so the cask could be diluted to his own desired drinking strength of 53.87% – unfortunately many bottles where devoured in the making of this decision. This symbolic gesture was an iconic one in cementing the link between the Silent Valley and the Belfast city Whiskey – watch the short clip here

Killowen wins Gold again

Killowen’s Peated Port Cask #KDC031 won gold at the Irish Whiskey Awards. Considering the consistent approach of all Barántúil releases this cask was particularly beautiful and we were delighted to receive Gold. Sadly these all sold out some months ago but there are other treats available on our webshop.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas!

Find Out More

Don’t make pour decisions that leave your finances on the rocks: City of London Police urges people to stay vigilant over misleading whisky investment ads

City of London Police is urging people to take proper measures online, after whisky investment advertisements on social media left people high and dry.

The lure for potential investors is that you buy a cask of whisky when it is first produced and as the whisky ages in the barrel, it becomes something worth more to the consumer and as such, your initial investment becomes more valuable.

Claiming that potential investors of whisky could expect to see modest returns of between eight – 12 per cent a year, paid advertisements on social media sites for one company have now been found to be misleading.

Detective Inspector Nichola Meghji, from the Fraud Operations team at the City of London Police, said:

“As we approach the run up to Christmas, we would like to remind people of the potential risks associated with investment opportunities, especially around whisky.

“Much like gin, the interest in micro-breweries and independent distilleries has grown exponentially over the last decade as the British consumer has become more interested in home grown spirits versus imported beers and wine.

“An investment of a cask of whisky may seem like a wise choice, and perfect as a Christmas present to some, but we would encourage everyone to stay vigilant and to not be sucked in – especially if adverts guarantee you will get year-on-year returns. Certain companies prey on peoples lack of knowledge around investing, which is then exploited at a great cost to the consumer.”

The City of London Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee oversees the Square Mile’s Trading Standards operations. Its Chair, Mary Durcan, said:

“City Corporation Trading Standards team has serious concerns over the whisky investment schemes that have sprung up over the last couple of years.

“Casks are being sold as a long-term investment because whisky takes time to mature in the cask, consumers are being told. This means that it could be several years before investors realise their investments aren’t performing.

“It is vitally important to remember that whisky investments are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority which means that there is no recourse to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if anything goes wrong.”

The investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that these risks were not highlighted in advertisements on social media, with some claiming that whisky cask investment was a suitable means to fund early retirement.

The terms and conditions provided in some advertisements also didn’t state that fees would be incurred, meaning that some investors were stung with a charge later down the line.

In one particular case, complaints were raised regarding the misleading advertisements of Blackford Casks Ltd. Subsequent investigations upheld these complaints, determining that although no fraudulent activity occurred in this case, the ads needed to be revised and not to quote average returns without adequate evidence. This was found by the ASA to be irresponsible as the adverts were not easy to understand and took advantage of consumers’ lack of experience and credulity.

In 2023, there were 89 reports made to Action Fraud about alcohol investments, with losses totalling over £3 million. This shows that aside from misleading advertisements, fraudulent activity is taking place with whisky investments proving to be an enticing opportunity for unsuspecting investors.

Whisky investments, like any investment, are never a sure thing when it comes to seeing a profitable return. External factors, mostly out of the investor’s control, play a part in either a dip or a rise in the market.

To prevent becoming a victim of investment fraud:

• Take your time considering investment opportunities:don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into investing on the spot.
• Seek advice first:before making significant financial decisions, speak with trusted friends or family members, or seek professional independent advice.
• Check the FCA register:use the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated by the FCA. If you deal with a firm (or individual) that isn’t regulated, you may not be covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong and you lose your money.

Lastly, if you aren’t an expert in a certain field of investment, or feel that you don’t know enough of the markets, then it’s probably best not to invest. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

City of London Police would also urge the public to follow the Take Five to Stop Fraud advice.

• Stop: taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe
• Challenge: could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore ant requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

If you think you have invested money into a fraudulent investment, or you have been contacted about an investment that doesn’t seem right, report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk. Reports can also be made by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, reports of fraud should be made directly to Police Scotland on 101.

Craftsman Brands Presents Three-Quarter of a Million Dollar Check

to Vendome for First Still for New Distillery

Louisville, KY – Craftsman Brands co-owners and staff presented renowned still maker Vendome Brass and Copper a check for $750,000 last week as a down payment for a 28-inch copper still expected to be delivered next August at the distillery’s proposed location near Louisville, Kentucky.

           According to Avrie Fenney, Co-Founder and Director of Distilling Operations, “A still crafted by Vendome Brass and Copper is especially important because Vendome’s expertise is incomparable, and their people are motivated. I have a lot of respect for Rob Sherman, President of Vendome; his experience in the industry speaks volumes, and those achievements influence his employees on all levels.”

           The company plans to build an eco-friendly distillery to create premium and luxury Bourbons and high-end spirits to capitalize on premiumization in the alcohol industry. Craftsman Brand Distillery will be part of a high tourism resort featuring tours of the distillery and rick-houses, an upscale hotel and restaurant, a bottling and canning plant for “ready-to-drink” spirits, and other hospitality venues. The distillery will begin operating in 2025, and up to sixty high-paying jobs are expected to be created.

            Craftsman Brands was founded in 2023 to offer consumers an opportunity to enjoy elite spirits in a new mainstream alcohol market. Behr Neighbors, Co-Founder and Director of Special Projects for the new company, explained that Craftsman will be a premium alcohol company that crafts, purchases, and enhances top-shelf spirit brands.

          Co-founders attending the check presentation were Isaac LaFond, Steve Camisa, PJ Fox, and Behr Neighbors. Craftsman’s current brands include Crème of Kentucky, High Plains Rye, Square One Vodka, Merlet Cognac, and Kentucky Par Bourbon.

Spearhead eyes growth as Loch Lomond Group brings UK distribution of the innovative single-grain whisky back into its portfolio

Whisky brand, Spearhead, which is part of the Loch Lomond Group, has announced plans to accelerate growth of the innovative spirit.

As part of the plans, Loch Lomond Group will part ways with its UK distributor, Mangrove, and bring distribution back in-house, allowing it to focus on expansion of the brand.

Launched in 2021, Spearhead is a unique single-grain scotch whisky crafted using 100% malted barley. The spirit undergoes an extended fermentation time of 92 hours, before being distilled in a continuous Coffey style still.

Spearhead is matured in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in a combination of fire and infra-red toasted American oak barrels, which creates a lighter whisky with a complex range of rich, sweet notes.

The product is now available in 26 markets worldwide, including top UK accounts such as TT Liquor, Callooh Callay, Nauticus, Silverleaf, Gungho!, Tom Thumb and Smithfield Social.

Loch Lomond Group’s decision to bring distribution back in-house follows a series of successful UK trade events hosted with Mangrove over the past 18 months, including Passing Fancies Industry Night in Birmingham, a bar takeover at Bread & Jam in Bath, and the Alternative Burns Night with artist LVRA at The Lower Third in London.

 John Grieveson, Chief Marketing Officer at Loch Lomond Group, said: “Spearhead is a community spirit that brings like-minded people together. This, alongside our unique proposition as a single-grain whisky, has seen demand for the brand grow, and our focus now is on continuing to expand our customer base across the world. We thank Mangrove for all their support in helping us to establish the brand.”

The distribution change will take effect from 1^st December 2023.

Spearhead is bottled at 43% ABV and has a RRP of £30.

For more information, visit www.spearheadwhisky.com

About Spearhead

Spearhead is a single grain whisky crafted at Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, Scotland.

Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, Spearhead is finished in a unique combination of infra-red toasted and fire-toasted virgin American oak barrels. This process creates a boldly sweet spirit, rich in character and distilled with flavour at its heart.

Spearhead works with a cooperage in Kentucky to select custom toast levels for these infra-red toasted barrels. The toast levels are set to a profile that extracts properties in the wood, which results in sweet notes appearing in Spearhead whisky. These notes are impossible to achieve with traditional toasting.

Spearhead is ideal for mixing, or serving alongside craft beer.

About Loch Lomond Group

Loch Lomond Group markets a diverse portfolio of high-quality whisky, gin, vodka and Champagne brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide, including Loch Lomond Whiskies, Littlemill, Glen Scotia, Noble Rebel blended malt whisky, and Ben Lomond Gin.

Loch Lomond Distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814. An independent distiller and blender of some of the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies in the world, Loch Lomond Distillery’s heritage is amongst the oldest in the industry.

Exploring English Whisky Launches Inaugural “Explorer Series”

Exploring English Whisky are delighted to announce the launch of their inaugural “Explorer Series” release. This is the first release by Exploring English Whisky and has been created in partnership with Whiskyside.com, an online retailer of English Spirits, who hold the largest known collection of English Whisky at their bar in Yorkshire. Deviating from their traditional cask shares model on stillincask.com, Exploring English Whisky have joined forces with Adnams, a renowned brewery & distillery, for this limited-edition release.

Exploring English Whisky’s journey, catalysed by an online St. George’s Day tasting during the first Covid lockdown, has evolved into a membership club and an annual festival held in Birmingham. Founder Richard Foster remarks, “There’s not much to thank Covid for, but we’re one of the feel-good stories from that period of time. I love English Whisky and the people behind every bottle, it’s a fascinating category so I wanted to shine a light on it and help spread the word so more people could enjoy it across the UK and dispel a few myths about non-Scotch along the way!”

Adnams make multiple styles of whisky with different mash bills, but this is their single malt recipe and it’s been maturing for 7 years in Adnams’ signature second-fill French Oak casks. The liquid is then finished for approximately 2 years in French sweet Sauternes wine casks – an increasingly popular choice in whisky maturation. The French Oak casks impart a Bourbon-like character with a twist, delivering delightful notes of melted butter, fennel, stone fruits, and grappa – before washing over the tongue with more smooth buttery deliciousness, a layer of apricot jam and a sprinkling of baking spices. The finish is a warm, rich, and spicy symphony, maintaining a bright and lively quality from the influence of the exquisite Sauternes wine casks.

Foster expressed his excitement about the release, stating, “There are very few age statemented English Whiskies on the market, so we are excited to be able to stamp nine years onto this bottle – in part to showcase the lengths that Adnams have gone to in maturing this whisky in such a great combination of casks – but also due to the surprise most people have when they find out how long Adnams has been making whisky for. Not only is English Whisky ‘a thing’ – but it’s also now able to compete alongside Scotch in the traditional age brackets of 8, 12 and 15 years, albeit in far smaller quantities.”

He emphasises the craft and sustainability of Adnams, using locally sourced barley, long fermentations, and slow, careful distillation, resulting in a distinct distillery flavour profile that relies less on wood for flavouring. He notes, “Craft whisky distilleries like Adnams do more than just make whisky, and when this opportunity arose – I knew I had to jump on it.”

“This whisky has a clear salinity that – I believe – comes from Adnams’ proximity to the North Sea – probably more so through the maturation, but every process takes place in Southwold so the coast always within view of this whisky until it’s bottled. That’s why we put the coast on the label – a nod to mother nature’s power and impact on whisky through ageing in unique micro-climates like the one Adnams finds itself in Southwold, on the Suffolk coast.” Regarding the bottle’s design, Foster states, “Creating our first label was a big moment for us,” describing it as a fusion of brand identity and a unique representation of the distillery, featuring an ‘Explorer Series’ black ‘X’—the symbol of the range. The remaining elements, such as the textured paper and gold foiling add layers of opulence to the design – reflecting the rarity and quality of Sauternes wines and Suffolk whiskies.

The Explorer Series launch marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Exploring English Whisky, with promises of more unique bottlings to come in the years ahead.

The release is limited to 700 bottles and is available for £70 from Whiskyside.com, members of Exploring English Whisky can also enjoy £10 off per bottle.

For more information, visit EXPLORING ENGLISH WHISKY 

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Melted butter, fennel seeds and stone fruits washed down with grappa

Palate: Buttery smooth with apricot jam and baking spices

Finish: Warm, spicy, and rich

 RECOMMENDED SERVE

“Southwold Lighthouse”

This twist on a “Mott & Mulberry” (named after an intersection in NYC) features our Adnams 9yo ex Sauternes Cask in place of spicy American Rye Whiskey. We think it’s delicious and a perfect Autumn / Winter cocktail. Give it a go:

30ml Adnams 9yo

30ml Benedictine (or Amaro / Chartreuse / Cynar)

30ml English Cider (ideally from Suffolk)

10ml Lemon Juice

10ml Maple Syrup (or Demerara sugar syrup)

Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Strain and pour into a tumbler. Garnish with thinly sliced apple on a skewer over the glass.