The James Eadie Ltd team (L-R Rupert Patrick, Leon Kuebler and Hugh Barron) with copies of The Distillation of Whisky and The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland in The British Library, where the original texts were found. Photograph: The British Library Board

NEW BOOK REVEALS 1920s WHISKY SECRETS AND INSPIRES FUTURE NEW RELEASES

A historic guide to making Scotch whisky in the early 20th century has been republished by James Eadie Ltd, with whiskies inspired by the book to be released over the next decade.

The Distillation of Whisky, 1927-1931 is one of the few available practical first-hand resources dating from Scotch whisky’s early history and illuminates lost whisky-making techniques from the interwar years.

To bring these lost whiskies to life, James Eadie Ltd has collaborated with six of Scotland’s most innovative whisky distilleries to produce spirits inspired by the book.

These whiskies – from Ardnamurchan, Dornoch, Holyrood, InchDairnie, Lochlea and ‘An Unnamed Farm Distillery in the Heart of the Kingdom of Fife’ – will be distilled between Autumn 2023 and Spring 2024, and will be released over the course of the next decade.

Dave Broom and Alan Winchester, two renowned authorities on whisky have both written introductions for the volume.

Dave Broom, whisky expert and author, commented:

“Whisky’s history is a jigsaw puzzle where many of the pieces have been lost.

“By giving detailed insights into whisky production at the start of the 20th century, this book provides a greater understanding of what ‘old-style’ whisky would have tasted like. Many myths have exploded as a result. It is a must-read for distillers, blenders, and whisky lovers.”

Alan Winchester, former Master Distiller at The Glenlivet, said:

“These fascinating articles shine a spotlight into what was going on 100 years ago.

“Some practices may seem strange now, but others still continue. This contradicts and challenges the views that innovation didn’t exist, and everything was traditional.”

The publication of The Distillation of Whisky, 1927-1931  follows on from James Eadie Ltd’s 2022 volume The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland, 1922-1929, which is considered to be the earliest photographic survey of the Scotch & Irish whisky industries.

Working with the British Library’s digitisation team, The Distillation of Whisky includes all 130+ images from the original publications, reproduced at ultra-high definition.

Leon Kuebler, Brand Director at James Eadie Ltd, said:

“We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback to The Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland, 1922-1929.

 “But one of the most common queries we received was ‘How did they make it?’ So we were delighted to come across The Distillation of Whisky in the British Library’s archives, which gives a remarkably comprehensive answer to this question.”

The Distillation of Whisky, 1927-1931 will be released on Tuesday 14 November as a first edition of 1,000 copies.  It is available to purchase exclusively at Scotland’s leading specialist whisky retailer, Royal Mile Whiskies.

Arthur Motley, Managing Director at Royal Mile Whiskies, said:

 “I am so excited to be selling this book, as well as the distilled spirits that are inspired by it.

“A fascination with the past is bound up in whisky culture, but all too rarely does historical research affect what we do now. The joy of this publication is that it will change some of the bottles on our future shelves.”

For more information about the book please visit www.jameseadie.co.uk/books/distillation-of-whisky.html

About James Eadie Ltd

First established in 1854, James Eadie Ltd is an independent Scotch whisky blender and bottler. Revived in 2016 by the founder’s great-great-grandson, Rupert Patrick, the company is building a reputation as a supplier of top quality specialist whiskies. James Eadie exports its single malts to sixteen international markets, as well as widespread distribution in the United Kingdom through specialist retailers.

James Eadie Ltd also owns a blended Scotch whisky brand, Trade Mark “X”. Dormant since its last bottling in the late 1940s, this brand was revived in October 2017, when Master Blender Norman Mathison used his fifty years’ blending experience to re-master this once famous Scotch. A key feature in this revival has been the discovery of the company’s original whisky ledgers from the mid to late 19th Century, which revealed a blend made from some of Scotland’s finest whiskies, then and now. Only whiskies from distilleries listed in the founder’s ledgers have been used.

James Eadie Ltd is a member of the Scotch Whisky Association, whose role is to advance the global interests and profile of Scotch whisky.

For further information, please visit https://www.jameseadie.co.uk

About Royal Mile Whiskies

Royal Mile Whiskies is one of the world’s most respected specialist whisky retailers. Established in 1991 on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, it quickly gained a reputation as the go-to place to find new, interesting and hard-to-find whiskies and spirits.

In 2000, the company launched www.royalmilewhiskies.com, which made it one of the first to retail whisky online. Today, Royal Mile Whiskies ships thousands of whiskies each year to customers around the globe from their Scotland base. Royal Mile Whiskies’ worldwide reputation is largely due to its enthusiastic and knowledgeable team of whisky enthusiasts.

The Royal Mile Whiskies Trade department is seen as the pre-eminent wholesaler of specialist spirits into the Scottish bar trade, with an accounts list of some of the very best hospitality venues in Scotland and beyond.

The retail outlet sits under the Dormant Distillery Company (DDC) alongside Drinkmonger, a specialist wine and fine spirits retailer with bases in Pitlochry and Bruntsfield, and The Cigar Box.

About Dave Broom

Dave Broom has been writing about drink for 35 years and specialising in spirits for 28 of them. A Master of the Quaich, he has written 14 books (the most recent being 2022’s A Sense of Place) and made a couple of films, winning numerous awards in the process, including the 2013 IWSC Communicator of the Year Award, an Andre Simon place for his 2018 book The Way of Whisky, and Best Drinks Writer at the 2020 Fortnum & Mason awards. Originally from Glasgow, Dave now resides in England.

About Alan Winchester

Alan joined the Scotch Whisky industry in 1975. He has been involved with 22 distilleries, being part of the team that built Dalmunach and two expansions of The Glenlivet Distillery, of which he was Master Distiller until recently. Since retiring from that role is involved in the creation of the Cabrach Distillery as a non executive Director, and advising a number of the other distilling projects.

Alan is a Master of the Quaich and a Fellow of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He was inducted in the Whisky Magazines Icons Hall of Fame in 2022 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Spirit of Speyside in the same year.

The British Library

We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone.  Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.

We have millions of books, and much more besides. Our London and Yorkshire sites hold collections ranging from newspapers and maps to sound recordings, patents, academic journals, as well as a copy of every UK domain website and blog. Our public spaces are a place to research, to meet friends, to start up a new business or simply to get inspired by visiting our galleries and events. We work with partners and libraries across the UK and the world to make sure that as many people as possible have the chance to use and explore our collections, events and expertise. And we’re always open online, along with more and more of our digitised collection.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® WELCOMES KENTUCKY BOURBON BOYS TOUR COMPANY AS OFFICIAL SPONSOR 

Homegrown Business Finds Success as Kentucky Bourbon Booms

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced that the Kentucky Bourbon Boys tour company is the newest official transportation sponsor of the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience.

Like the other official transportation sponsors, (Mint Julep Experiences, Pegasus Distillery Experiences and Central Kentucky Tours) demand for KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tourism program has helped build and grow small businesses like the Kentucky Bourbon Boys.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky Bourbon Boys provides transportation services to KDA-member distilleries in Bardstown, Lexington, Louisville, Northern Kentucky, Lawrenceburg, Danville and Frankfort, as well as cooperage tours at Kentucky Cooperage in Lebanon.

“With more distillery experiences than ever all across the state of Kentucky, reliable transportation options are an absolute necessity,” said Mandy Ryan, director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences for the non-profit KDA trade group.

“Kentucky Bourbon Boys has proven themselves to be a top-notch company that provides much-needed services to our visitors and distilleries,” she said. “We’re proud to welcome and recommend them as a transportation sponsor of our amber adventure.”

Tim Hagan, Chief Operating Officer of Kentucky Bourbon Boys, said the 12-year company strives to be an innovative leader in Bourbon tourism by providing memorable, unique experiences and first-class ​customer service.

“Since we began our business, we have worked hard to be great ambassadors for Kentucky and great partners to the distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We are proud of our old Kentucky home and enjoy creating and facilitating customized experiences for our guests.

“We look forward to continuing to show everyone who visits the Kentucky Bourbon Trail the best Kentucky has to offer.”

For more information, go to kentuckybourbonboys.com.

As an official sponsor, Kentucky Bourbon Boys will receive prominent placement on the KBT® website and in marketing materials, including recommended itineraries, on the site’s transportation page and more.

More than 70% of KBT® visitors come from outside Kentucky, and KDA has started initiatives, like recognizing official transportation sponsors, to ensure that responsibility is part of every experience.

“Responsibility is at the cornerstone of everything we do,” Gregory said. “We strongly encourage our visitors to plan their trips with the help of our transportation partners and let someone else do the driving.”

He added, “We have the honor of working in the Bourbon industry every day, but when we get to share it with visitors from across Kentucky and the globe, it’s special.”

“As people explore the KBT®, they get a first-hand look at all that Bourbon has built and helped grow, like Kentucky Bourbon Boys and our official sponsors. We’re telling the story of what makes Kentucky so uniquely great – partnership, collaboration and a signature spirit to be enjoyed together.”

Learn more at www.kybourbontrail.com.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association
Welcomes Western Kentucky Distilling Co.
as Newest Member

Bourbon Boom Expands Deeper into Green River Area

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Western Kentucky Distilling Co. in Ohio 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 Beaver Dam, Western Kentucky Distilling Co. broke ground in 2022 by Jacob Call and J.D. Edwards. The distillery offers contract distilling, with plans for signature brands and a visitor’s center down the road.

The distillery began production in July and had its grand opening earlier this month.

“Jacob and J.D. are respected industry members with deep roots in Kentucky,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “It’s great to see their warm welcome in Ohio County, which already is benefiting from the jobs and millions in investment that Western Kentucky Distilling brings.”

Master Distiller Call was born in Bardstown and is both an 8th Generation Kentuckian and 8th Generation Distiller. Company President Edwards was born and raised in nearby Owensboro and after several years in the industry is now chasing his entrepreneurial dream.

“We’re humbled and excited to be a part of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and unite with our fellow distillers to promote and protect Kentucky’s rich Bourbon heritage and legacy,” Call said.

“In addition to being 100% Kentucky owned, we’re also 100% Kentucky sourced and built with all of our distilling equipment coming from the Commonwealth and plans to use all locally grown corn in our products,” Edwards said.

“Bourbon is a vital industry in our state and we’re proud to join the KDA. We’re so thankful to the local community who have been so supportive and look forward to continued growth in the region.”

At the heart of the $30 million investment is a 36-inch copper still, complemented by copper condensers, a doubler and 15 state-of-the-art fermenters producing up to 50,000 barrels of Bourbon and rye whiskey each year.

The first official distillery in Ohio County is working with contract brands such as Hemingway Rye Whiskey and is already looking at expansion due to the expected continued growth of Kentucky Bourbon, a major export and thriving symbol of Bluegrass craftsmanship and tradition.

Learn more at www.wkydistilling.com.

Western Kentucky Distilling Co. joins the KDA as a “Craft” level member, aging less than 10,000 barrels per year. The KDA now has more than 50 member distilleries, the most since the glorious Repeal of Prohibition.

“We look forward to working with the Western Kentucky Distilling Co. team to elevate and sustainably grow our timeless craft,” Gregory said. “On behalf of all our members, we are proud to welcome them to our growing family of Kentucky’s finest distillers.”

About

Western Kentucky Distilling Co.

Located in Beaver Dam, Western Kentucky Distilling Co.broke ground in 2022 by Jacob Call and J.D. Edwards. The distillery offers contract distilling, with plans for signature brands and a visitor’s center down the road.

The distillery is located at 1880 Old Liberty Church Road in Beaver Dam in the Bluegrass Crossings Business Center. The 24,000 square foot distillery is on 80 acres and will feature 15 warehouses with the ability to store 250,000 barrels.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon.

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.

LOST LANTERN WHISKEY OPENS ITS FIRST TASTING ROOM

Independent Bottler Opens New Tasting & Production Space in Vermont

VERGENNES, Vt. (November 2023) — Lost Lantern Whiskey Co-founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski are thrilled to announce the opening of the award-winning independent bottler’s first tasting room. Located in Vergennes, Vermont, at 11 Main Street, the new space will open to the public on Friday, November 3, 2023, and will offer guests the opportunity to taste and purchase bottles of Lost Lantern, representing a wide range of whiskies from distilleries across the United States.

“We are so excited to be launching the Lost Lantern Tasting Room; this new space will allow us to really introduce Lost Lantern to Vermont residents and visitors for the first time,” commented Ganley-Roper, who grew up locally in Addison County. “We will offer curated flights of whiskies from across the country, allowing customers to taste the full range of what Lost Lantern has available.”

Guests who wish to taste during a visit can choose from a rotating menu of flights, which will change regularly. Each flight features four whiskies. Initial flights include:

• Intro to Whiskey (Learn about and taste the different styles of American whiskey) $10
• Fall Single Cask Collection (Lost Lantern’s most recent releases) $12
• Bourbon Flight (Explore the breadth of flavor bourbon can offer) $12
• Lost Lantern Greatest Hits (Taste the most popular and acclaimed releases available): $15
• Lost Lantern Fan Favorites (Taste sold out, highly coveted whiskies only available on-site) $20
• Founder’s Choice (If Nora or Adam are behind the bar, they’ll build you a custom flight) $20
• Build Your Own (Choose any four whiskies from the flight list): $25

The Lost Lantern Tasting Room will also offer bottle sales of all current releases. Beyond that, Ganley-Roper and Polonski have quietly saved bottles from every Lost Lantern issue to date and will offer a handful of library bottles for sale (including those sold out elsewhere) of everything they’ve released since Fall 2021.

The tasting room is part of a larger initiative for Lost Lantern and is connected to the company’s new production facility, which is used for barrel storage, blending, bottling, and more.

“Although we are not a distillery and never will be, we’re excited to bring all our blending and bottling in-house. Until now, we have been fortunate to work with great contract partners to help us bottle. However, having our own facility gives us more flexibility as we expand on the success of our Lost Lantern Blend Series and Single Distillery Series,” said Ganley-Roper. “Additionally, the new space allows us to rapidly ramp up our private barrel program to offer retailers and whiskey clubs a wide range of unique single cask offerings from distilleries across the country.”

The Lost Lantern tasting room is an intimate space located at 11 Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491, and will be open Fridays from 2:00 pm ET – 8:00 pm ET and Saturdays from 12:00 pm ET – 6:00 pm ET for walk-ins and appointments through the end of the year when hours may change. During off days, visits can be made by appointment or chance. To make a reservation or inquiry, contact info@lostlanternwhiskey.com.  For more information about Lost Lantern please visit  www.LostLanternWhiskey.com.

A fact sheet with additional details about the tasting room is available HERE.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey. In 2023, they were named Global Independent Bottler of the Year at the global Icons of Whisky Awards in London and named one of SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com.

Dunphail Distillery fills first casks and opens second funding round

Dunphail has announced, that on Thursday 26^th October, it achieved the landmark of filling and laying down its first casks. Using the initial runs of new make spirit collected from the first two weeks’ of full production at the distillery, ten sherry butts were selected as Dunphail’s maiden maturations and were laid down within the distillery’s on-site warehousing.

The larger format casks were carefully chosen because of their inherent alignment with the distillery’s robust and intense spirit.  Founder and Master Distillery Dariusz Plazewski explained: “The remarkable character and profound flavour of Dunphail’s spirit has been entirely derived from our traditional production processes – full on-site floor malting and kilning, alongside long, open-topped fermentations and directly fired stills. Our spirit is the product of our historical outlook on production combined with our forward-looking, innovative approach to whisky appreciation. Our first casks combine these elements perfectly – reflecting the fruit-forward, rich and full-bodied nature of both the sherry butts and our exceptionally characterful spirit. Now we wait. But, we’re all delighted to have started the clock for the arrival of Dunphail’s single malt whisky!”

Alongside the announcement of filling its first casks, Dunphail also revealed that it had opened a second funding round. A target of an additional £2m is being sought through an equity offering which will support further production, the expansion of sales and marketing capability and further development of the distillery’s tours and visitors experiences.

Plazewski commented: “Our calling is to produce world-class, full-bodied, fruit-forward single malt whisky using the full range of processes, each one shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We intend to establish Dunphail Distillery as one of the finest whisky producers within Scotland and are keen to work with investors who share our vision. Through an additional equity offering we’re looking forward to delighting out customers with thought-provoking single malt whiskies, whilst offering a truly exceptional distillery and visitor centre experience.”

Dunphail Distillery based in Morayshire commenced production in October 2023, having self-constructed the 200,000 LPA site by converting an existing farm steading. The distillery’s visitor centre and shop opened earlier this year, offering daily tours and tastings of Dunphail’s Dava Way whiskies to a growing number of visitors.

Dunphail New Make Spirit (filling strength 63.5%)

Crafted from 100% on-site floor malted and kilned Laureate barley

Nose: Crisp, clean and vibrant. The character and purity of the spirit are demonstrated with waxed lemons and limes alongside a scattering of hedgerow berries. The fruit-forward notes are then enriched by oven baked buns, buttered bread and freshly cut grass resulting in a captivatingly broad assortment of aromas.

Taste: Oiliness and texture runs throughout establishing a remarkably rich and fulsome mouthfeel. Lemon curd, zested limes and orange peels sit alongside substantive pastry character – brioche, malt loaf and barley cakes. Undertones of minerality and ginger spicing unravel to reveal a spirit that possesses an extraordinary distinctiveness.

Finish: Boundless energy still persists, as expressive notes of citrus progressively fade into a malt-driven conclusion.

About Dunphail Distillery 

Dunphail produces world-class full-bodied, fruit-forward single malt whisky using the full range of traditional production processes, each one shaped by generations of rich distilling heritage. We take a meticulous approach to whisky making, combining knowledge with passion to ensure that everything we do is driven by the foundations of flavour and quality. We craft the finest whisky the way it used to be made – taking the traditions of the past to shape the whisky of tomorrow.

KILLOWEN POITÍN NOW RELEASE – DAGDA’S OATS & NEW 700ML RUM&RAISIN

This weekend is Poitín Now weekend – a weekend where the best of Irish spirit enthusiasts descend on Dublin from all over the country & world and celebrate our native spirit – Poitín

For one day & two sell out shows Bar 1661 becomes Nerdistan for us like minded poitín lovers. As is becoming tradition Killowen has thought long and hard, and created a poitín suitable for the occasion.

The Dagda’s Oats

The Dagda is Irelands Zeus, Thor or Oden – and aside from reproducing, killing, and flattening mountains he was famed for carrying a pot of oats that never emptied, enabling him to feed people endlessly. Only fitting that we should make a wonderful peated oaten poitín in his name and memory.

FLAVOUR EXPECTATIONS

Imagine a peaty crème brûlée, with white chocolate sauce and potstill spice – all these come together in this chewy alcoholic custard. A spirit fit for the king of the Gods.

Killowen’s signature Rum & Raisin is growing

Killowen Rum and Raisin has grown so much in popularity in the past 3 years that it has now grown in bottle size too. This jump in size from 500ml to 700ml means that we still have all the same great flavours and high strength of 55%, the only difference is you get more in your bottle. This delicious single malt is finished in our own Rum casks and PX sherry casks to give an amazing flavour profile that delivers long into the nose pallet and finish.

This Bottling, although large, will carry the same RRP – we know that will make you happy coming into Christmas.

Available everywhere in a store near you, right now or very soon.

Créatúr

For those who don’t know of Fionnán O’Connor yet and his wonderful new book project the following is for you:

Quote from Fionnán’s website

Nearly 10 years in the planning, Créatúr is the second book by Irish whiskey historian and A Glass Apart author Fionnán O’Connor.  Scheduled for publication in 2026, you have a chance now to purchase a bottle of his whiskey and book in advance

Créatúr is a book about whiskey and the people who make it. And the people who made it. And the making of it too. It’s a book about the way we drank and the ways we just might. In 2024 it’s one for the road. No bullshit, just the créatúr. Along the way, we’ll be talking to some wonderful friends doing things that I admire, as well as with some folks who don’t always get a look-in: barley farmers, publicans, tillage researchers, ethnomusicologists, lab analysts, mixologists, folklorists, a Phylloxera historian, a peatland scientist, Willie Murphy, all sorts… Ultimately, Créatúr is a little bit fluid and hopefully no less pungent for it either.

As connoisseurs of Irish Whiskey – we owe it to those carrying out independent research so if you wish to support by buying a bottle and copy and signed book in advance, jump on the following link: https://creatur.ie/shop/

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY DOUBLE MATURED IN FIRST-FILL BOURBON AND BORDEAUX WINE CASKS

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched the latest addition to its Contrasts range – a 12-year-old double matured limited release which has been matured in both first-fill bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks to create an imaginative twist on the signature Benromach style.

This whisky started out in first-fill bourbon barrels before a final five years maturation in Bordeaux red wine casks, creating delicate honey and floral notes, with zesty tangerine, dark forest fruits and toasted oak flavours on the palate. A medium-bodied finish is complemented by Benromach’s signature soft peat smoke.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Creating the newest Benromach Contrasts release has been a very exciting project – allowing us to add another intriguing whisky to our range.

“Double maturing this whisky in both bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks has helped create an interesting depth of flavour, balancing both sweet and fruity notes with our signature soft smoke brought about by our lightly peated malt. It has also influenced the colour of the whisky itself, producing a much darker, richer dram.

“There’s a very limited number of bottles available for purchase. We expect this whisky to be a popular dram so urge those looking to sample the whisky to be quick to secure their bottle.”

With an ABV strength of 46%, this whisky is available for purchase via Independent Whisky Specialists at a recommended retail price of £59.99.

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes:

 Benromach Bordeaux

RRP: £59.99

ABV: 46%

Nose: Subtle hints of rose followed by honey and ripe red fruits.

Taste: Smooth and sweet with flavours of zesty tangerine and dark forest fruits are balanced by toasted oak.

Finish: Medium-bodied and fruity finish underpinned by subtle peat smoke.

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character. For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis)

COMING SOON!!!!!

The Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis) will be available to purchase on pre-sale this coming Friday 17th November at 10am The Fisherman’s Retreat journey into cask exploration has entered new heights with our latest release of this Scottish, single cask, single malt whisky!

Edition 13 is almost here and we didn’t have to wait long for this juggernaut of a dram to come to fruition. At only four years of age this Ben Nevis single malt whisky has matured beyond its years after being carefully nurtured in a first fill American oak, ex-Yalumba fortified wine barrel which has led to a truly remarkable transformation. The journey from newborn spirit to bottle has taken less time than usual thanks to this casks unique size which has given a greater spirit on wood contact. We can only describe this single malt whisky as a thing of beauty, not only pleasurable on the eye, but it will dazzle your senses and entice your tastebuds with every sip.

At 54% Abv and with only 173 bottles produced it won’t be around for long!

Appearance:

What an amazing colour for a whisky of this age, getting it in a glass is the first priority! Beautiful deep rich tones of mahogany, orange bronze, and deep red autumnal leaves. A roll of the glass reveals a waterfall of natural oils slowly creeping down to rejoin this mesmerising liquid.

Nose:

Wow! Everything that makes me want to drink whisky is in this glass! Rich, fruity notes take the lead, raisins, figs and Christmas pudding all standout, a few more swirls of the glass release toffee, bananas and hints of vanilla and marzipan. With every pass this dram becomes more intriguing.

Palate:

This is one powerful dram, at 54% abv it doesn’t hold back, big bold flavours take charge from the start, the initial hit of fruit is sublime, figs, raisins, and more vanilla than on the nose, the sweetness is incredible but yet not overpowering the spirit that it came from, an oily and creaminess encompasses the whole of the mouth with a finish that is gentle and lasting throughout.

Finish:

A fantastic and flavoursome whisky that works its magic from nose to palate and does not disappoint. Both the Ben Nevis spirit and Yalumba’s Fortified Wine cask have given their all to produce a dram of outstanding quality. A 4-year-old whisky that can go toe to toe with the big boys all day long.

Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 13 (Ben Nevis, Yalumba Fortified Octave) will be available to purchase at £80 (Normally £90) from Friday 17th November at 10am on our website

EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK WHISKIES STAR IN BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

Left to right: Glen Scotia 2000-23-year-old-Cask-22/61-3. Estimate: £63,000-85,000 (HK$ 600,000-800,000).  Loch Lomond 2012-11-year-old-Cask #21/946-9. Estimate: £21,000-32,000 (HK$200,000-300,000)

Hong Kong – Two exceptional casks of distinctive single-malt whisky from renowned Scottish distilleries, Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond, will star in Bonhams Fine & RARE Whisky Sale at Hong Kong Admiralty on 17 November 2023.

Diego Lanza, Head of Whisky, Asia and Head of Sale for Whisky auctions in the UK and Europe comments, “Owning a cask from a distinguished distillery is every whisky connoisseur’s dream. While private and individual cask ownership is still relatively new, it is fast gaining momentum in the whisky world and beyond. It is a fantastic opportunity to own casks offered directly from the producers, providing impeccable provenance and outstanding storage and exclusive bottling customisation. This is a rare opportunity to acquire some exceptional Campbeltown and Highland Single Malts, owning your personal distillery bottlings.”

The 23-year-old single cask of Glen Scotia, distilled in 2000 and aging in a 1^st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask, at the Glen Scotia distillery, Campbeltown, Scotland, famed for its whisky-making, is offered with an estimate of £63,000-85,000 (HK$600,000-800,000). The purchase includes bottling and packaging costs, allowing you to brand and personalise your own whisky, together with distillery warehousing storage up to twenty years and an exclusive distillery experience, tour and tasting among many other benefits.

The 11-year-old cask of Loch Lomond single malt whisky distilled in 2012 and aging in a 1^st Fill Sauternes Cask, at the Loch Lomond Distillery on the Lomond Estate with an estimate of £21,000-32,000 (HK$200,000-300,000) is also offered with bottling and personalised packaging, together with storage up to fifteen years.  Since 1814, the Loch Lomond Distillery has been crafting the finest Single Malt Whiskies where craft and style are intrinsically linked. Collecting by casks offers a high degree of customisation in the bottling of the whisky, which is very rare, as well as the unique experience of collaborating directly with two very prestigious distilleries.

Left to right: Examples of customised bottling and packaging from the Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond distilleries.

Other whisky highlights in the sale include:

• The Macallan-52-year-old. 2018 Release. An exceptionally rare and limited release. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers, it is 116 of 250 bottles only. Estimate £42,000-53,000 (HK$400,000-500,000).

• The Macallan-78-year-old-The Red Collection. A peerless single malt whisky matured over 78 years. Bottled in 2020. Distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Estimate £68,000-90,000 (HK$650,000 – 850,000).

• Karuizawa-1969-50-year-old Cask, # 538. One of 347 bottles. This small Japanese distillery, which no longer exists, was known for producing whisky of the finest quality, noted for its floral scent and maturity. Estimate £32,000-42,000 (HK£300,000-400,000).

Highly prized whiskies will also be offered in the Bonhams Fine Whisky sales in both Paris and Edinburgh.

Highlights from the Whisky sale in Edinburgh running from 27 November-5 December (online) include some exceptional Macallan whiskies to include:

• The Macallan Lalique 50-year-old, distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers in Easter Elchies, Craigellachie and presented in its original case. Released in 2005, it is one of only 470 individually numbered decanters worldwide and the first decanter in the Lalique Six Pillars Collection. Estimate £75,000-90,000.

• The Macallan Anniversary Malt-25-year-old-1974. Bottled in 1999 and distilled and bottled by The Macallan Distillers Ltd. Estimate: £2,500-3,500. 

• Sherriff’s Bowmore.  Distilled and bottled by Sherriff’s Bowmore Distillery Ltd, Islay. Estimate: £800-1,000

Highlights from the Whisky sale in Paris running from 8-18 December (online) includes some of the most collectable and highly respected malts in the world from the Bowmore Distillery, famed for its iconic spirits produced during the 1960s.

• Black Bowmore-42-year-old-1964. Estimate of €14,000-18,000

• White Bowmore-43-year-old-1964. Estimate of €13,000-16,000

• Gold Bowmore-44-year-old-1964. Estimate of €12,000-15,000

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, collectors’ cars and a luxury division, which includes jewellery, designer fashion, watches, wine, and whisky. In 2021 and 2022, Bonhams made a number of important acquisitions which form the wider Bonhams network. These include: Bukowskis, Bruun Rasmussen, Bonhams Skinner and Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.

There are 14 salerooms around the globe: UK: New Bond Street, London; Knightsbridge, London; Edinburgh. US: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Marlborough. Hong Kong: Admiralty. France: Avenue Hoche, Paris; Rue de la Paix, Paris. Belgium: Brussels; Denmark: Copenhagen. Sweden: Stockholm and Australia: Sydney.

With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60+ specialist areas.

In 2022, Bonhams held a number of important auctions and offered landmark single-owner collections, including the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Sir Terence Conran: The Contents of Barton Court, Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included Style and Substance: The Collection of George and Charlotte Shultz and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2022 included a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (Sold for US$4,185,000), a pair of blue and white octagonal candlesticks (Sold for HK$30,453,00/ US$3,911,913), La femme en rouge au fond bleu by Chaïm Soutine (Sold for £1,842,300/ US$2,236,940), and a rare emerald and diamond Cartier bracelet (Sold for US$3,240,375).

More information and highlights can be found HERE

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

The Bonhams Network

Bukowskis

Established in 1870, Bukowskis is the leading auction house in the Nordic region, offering fine art and collectables from their salerooms in Stockholm and Helsinki, as well as online. During the spring 2023 fine art season, Bukowskis sold 7 of the 10 most valuable artworks in Sweden and 32 lots above one million SEK –– while their innovative digital presence attracts over one million web users every month and 200,000 app users overall. Bukowskis offer more than 70,000 lots each year across Art, Works of Art, Design, Jewelry, Watches, Asian Works of Art, Carpets, Glass & Ceramics, and Silver.

Bruun Rasmussen

From its Copenhagen saleroom and online, Bruun Rasmussen sells more than 75,000 lots each year across categories from furniture, paintings and modern design to silver, wine and collector’s items such as books, arms and armour, stamps and coins.

Bonhams Skinner

Renowned New England auction house Bonhams Skinner holds some 80 auctions a year in 20 collecting categories – including Americana, fine art, collectables and wine, and ranging from fine violins to contemporary paintings – at its salerooms in Boston and Marlborough, Massachusetts, as well as on its highly effective digital platform for online sales.

Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr

Established in 1973, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr is famous throughout the auction world for its high-profile single-owner sales. With salerooms in Paris and Brussels, it holds auctions in more than a dozen categories, including fine art, haute couture, Asian art, collectable cars, jewellery, watches and more.

MORRISON SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS LAUNCH OLD PERTH PALO CORTADO 

It’s the first Old Perth ever to be matured in this type of sherry cask 

November 2023, Aberargie,Scotland – Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, creators of Old Perth Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, have announced the release of Old Perth Palo Cortado. Considered to be the rarest variety of Sherry, Palo Cortado is created when the protective ‘flor’ yeast does not form on sherry intended to become Amontillado. Palo Cortado is a wine of great complexity which combines the delicate bouquet of an Amontillado with the body and palate of an Oloroso.

The brand carefully selected a range of exceptional hogshead casks that had the ideal structure and complexity, then through various sampling and blending sessions the result is a delicate, balanced expression of Old Perth with the influence of Palo Cortado.

Niel Hendriksz, Commercial Director, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said, 

 ‘Our series of Old Perth Limited Edition releases aim to explore the relationship between sherry casks and Scotch Whisky. With our previous limited edition highlighting the powerful influence of sweet, syrupy PX sherry, we wanted to contrast this with something completely different: an elegant, dry sherry with pronounced nuttinessthat beautifully showcases the delicate interplay between the richness of Scotch whisky and the unique characteristics of Palo Cortado sherry casks.

Unlike the Old Perth PX Edition where the brand wanted immense cask influence to display the power and complexity of the PX; with Palo Cortado it’s all about delicacy and finesse. Through carefully managing the time and influence of the cask they were able to ensure just the right amount of interaction to create a perfect balance.

TASTING NOTES 

Old Perth Palo Cortado 

55.8% ABV

RRP: £58

Colour: Burnt Orange

Nose: Fragrant honey suckle, vanilla cream and spiced biscuits

Palate: Honeycomb, candied nuts and ripe orchard fruits

Finish: Lingering fruity sweetness with delicate spice and nuts in the background

Old Perth Palo Cortado will be available to purchase for £58 from the 3rd November, for stockist information please CLICK HERE

ABOUT OLD PERTH  

Old Perth was a lost blend that was originally created by Peter Thomson, who began his career in the grocery, wine and spirits business in Perth in 1908, but soon established his own whisky blends. One of these was Old Perth, which quickly proved popular amongst Scottish publicans.

In the 1960s, those in the know held Old Perth whisky in high esteem because its high malt content (and inclusion of one of the world’s most prestigious sherried single malt whiskies). It was regarded as one of the best blends in existence.

Nearly half a century later, one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, the Morrisons (formerly of Morrison Bowmore Distillers), purchased Old Perth and have brought the legacy back to life for all to enjoy. Old Perth is a range of Blended Malt Scotch Whisky which has restored tradition by blending in Perth and exclusively using sherry matured malt from a selection of Scotland’s finest distilleries, located in the Glenlivet region of Speyside.

To find out more about Old Perth visit www.oldperthwhisky.co.uk  

ABOUT MORRISON SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS   

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is solely owned and operated by one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent whisky families, Jamie and Brian Morrison. There has been over five generations of the Morrison family involved in the whisky business including grocers, brokers, blenders, bottlers and distillers, making them one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families.

Their heritage gives them access to a wide variety of unique and exceptional casks from pedigree distilleries across Scotland. Their family’s values are run through everything they do and they proudly showcase these underneath each of their bottles reiterating their commitment to Patience, Intuition and Integrity.

In every whisky they release, they are committed to continue to impart the knowledge that has been passed down from generations of family whisky makers.

To find out more about Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers visit www.morrisondistillers.com