GORDON & MACPHAIL TO RELEASE 74-YEAR-OLD WHISKY TO COMMEMORATE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III

 Gordon & MacPhail is set to unveil a special single malt whisky from 1948 – the year of his birth – to honour King Charles III’s Coronation in May. 

The Private Collection 1948 from Glen Grant Distillery was filled into a first-fill Sherry cask on 10^th April 1948 by Gordon & MacPhail. Only 281 bottles will be available of this ultra-rare release which was bottled on 15^th December – the anniversary of His Majesty’s christening.

Priced at £25,000, the whisky retains a remarkable cask strength of 50.4% after more than seven decades of maturation. And the result is a vibrant and fragrant single malt packed with festive spices, mulled berries, a hint of raisin and lemon zest.

Last year, Gordon & MacPhail released a 70-year-old single malt to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Prior to this, HRH Prince Charles – as he was known then – officially reopened its Benromach Distillery in 1998.

To celebrate the release of The King Charles III Coronation Edition, a donation of £25,000 will be made by Gordon & MacPhail to The Prince’s Foundation. The charity runs a diverse programme of education and training for all ages and backgrounds, including traditional arts and heritage craft skills, horticulture, wellbeing and hospitality, and regeneration projects to support communities.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “This exceptional whisky is a fitting tribute to His Majesty, who has continually promoted and protected British tradition and excellence over many decades. This release has been carefully nurtured for over seventy years and is testament to great patience, long term thinking and commitment to creating high quality products; principles that have been handed down through generations of people working for our family business. 

“For more than 50 years, King Charles has placed a firm focus on sustainability and supporting communities. Our donation to The Prince’s Foundation will support his vision of a more sustainable world and aims to help create future legacies.”

Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has bottled spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries, forging close relationships in the process over many decades.

For more information, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

#GordonandMacPhail

Notes

RRP: £25,000 ABV: 50.4%

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Fragrant festive spices complement mulled berries with a hint of raisin. Lemon zest comes to the fore alongside demerara sugar and subtle beeswax polish.

Palate: Red apple flavours infuse with bitter orange and milk chocolate. Subtle smoke develops accompanied by fresh peppermint leaves.

Finish: Full finish with lingering grapefruit and mature oak.

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality.

Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its casks.

It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

FETTERCAIRN SINGLE MALT WHISKY COMPLETES THE WAREHOUSE COLLECTION WITH WAREHOUSE 14 THEIR LATEST LIMITED EDITION RELEASE 

The Limited Edition release Warehouse 14, will be available from April 2023

Fettercairn Distillery has announced the fifth and final instalment of their ‘Warehouse Collection’, Warehouse 14, an experimental Limited Edition release, opening the doors to Warehouse 14 for the first time in the Collection’s journey.

Warehouse 14 is the latest release from pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass. As is the aim of the Collection, this Limited Edition release takes Fettercairn and its famed tropical house style on another new and unexpected journey.

A rare and remarkable Single Malt, bottled at 51.2% ABV (Non-Chill-Filtered and Natural Colour), Warehouse 14 is shaped by Fettercairn’s unique dunnage Warehouse 14 and the whisky maker’s expert balance of unusual casks.

Gregg Glass, Master Whisky Maker: “The response to our first four warehouse releases has been incredibly encouraging. Our ethos with the Fettercairn Warehouse Collection was to offer a taste of the experiments laid down here, with each Limited Edition expression exploring different flavour characteristics that enhance our unique tropical house style.

“With the release of Warehouse 14 we were looking to create another new expression of our house style, building on the influence of ex-bourbon casks, which work very well with our distinctive tropical notes, whilst exploring the unique influence of casks sourced from local craft beer producers.

“Each of our warehouses at Fettercairn has a sense of magic. It is a fantastic place to make whisky and with Warehouse 14, I think we have once again pushed the boundaries and offered a new perspective of what Fettercairn can be.

“As always, we created this whisky to be enjoyed, and I am pleased to offer another unique, new expression that curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs can explore.”

Warehouse 14 has been crafted using a handpicked selection of first-fill and second-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. This release was initially created as an experiment in the unique Warehouse 14 by Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and the Distillery Team. The recipe was finished in a mix of three different beer barrels – stout, dark ale and pale ale – each offering different flavour characteristics that enhance Fettercairn’s tropical house style.

Fettercairn’s signature house style, abundant with tropical fruit flavours and soft spice, is created by the unique cooling ring, which ensures only the purest vapours rise and produces the distinctive tropical characteristic, remains a feature of Warehouse 14 on the nose and on the palate.

However, this Limited Edition release offers whisky explorers and enthusiasts alike the opportunity to experience expert, craft and imagination, through this characterful creation.

To the eye, Warehouse 14 is a natural shimmering gold in colour and there is vanilla, honey and floral charm on the nose. To taste, warm toasty maltiness, tropical fruits with layers of crème caramel, apricot tart, cacao, soft wood spices and a pleasing nuttiness.

The Limited Edition Warehouse Collection brings to life curious whiskies created by Fettercairn, combined with the treasure trove of unusual casks found across their fourteen dunnage warehouses.  The previous four releases in the Collection have been from Warehouse 2, but for this final release, Fettercairn has looked to a warehouse at the opposite side of the distillery. Warehouse 14 looks out on to the Cairngorms and is more exposed to the elements and changing seasons which has undoubtedly helped to shape this very special final release.

Fettercairn Warehouse 14 will complete the Warehouse Collection and will be available at an RSP of £70 ($96.50) from the start of April from The Whisky Shop. Available on a Limited Edition basis in limited selected markets including UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France.

About Fettercairn – www.fettercairnwhisky.com 

Fettercairn Distillery is a hidden gem – a Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery located in the heart of a thriving agricultural community, Aberdeenshire – ‘The Garden of Scotland’.

A spark of whisky making ingenuity is what makes Fettercairn special.  A sense of wonder has been a constant theme back to 1824, as illustrated by our beautiful copper cooling ring, which produces a uniquely tropical style of new make spirit, and our Scottish Oak Programme from which we developed our Fettercairn 18 Year Old Scottish Oak.

Today we continue to take a progressive outlook and make new unexpected journeys in flavour led whisky making.  We invite curious whisky lovers and connoisseurs to explore and enjoy Fettercairn Single Malt.

About Gregg Glass- Master Whisky Maker – Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year, Scotland 2023 

Respected whisky maker Gregg Glass joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016, where he has been a leading light in the rejuvenation of Fettercairn alongside Distillery Manager Stewart Walker.

Gregg enjoyed a childhood in the heart of whisky making country, the Black Isle. With 22 years in industry notably 11 years at innovative whisky maker Compass Box, Gregg joined Whyte and Mackay in 2016 to work alongside renowned Master Distiller Mr Richard Paterson OBE.

Gregg has enjoyed 15 years career as a blender and whisky maker. At Whyte and Mackay Gregg has led whisky development for Fettercairn Single Malt Whisky, Jura Single Malt Whisky and in 2017 launched Whisky Works – an independent innovation wing of Whyte and Mackay.

Gregg is devoted to his craft and believes in flavour-led hands-on whisky making. Gregg is passionately involved in every aspect of the whisky making process from ‘acorn to glass’ and since 2020 leads whisky making across the Whyte and Mackay portfolio. 

Award-Winning Whisky Makers Whyte and Mackay

Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning Single Malt Whiskies including The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn. With a premium spirits portfolio that includes contemporary whisky brands Shackleton, Woodsman and John Barr, alongside popular alcohol brands Wildcat, Fundador and Harveys Bristol Cream and Aperitivo. In the UK the company produce Whyte & Mackay, an award-winning ever-popular Blended Whisky, which recently launched the market-leading ‘Whyte & Mackay Light’ – a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, bottled at a lower ABV.

In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers celebrated their 175 year anniversary in 2019. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon.

Whyte and Mackay’s whisky making is led by Master Distiller Richard Paterson OBE and pioneering Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass.

27 Year Old Whisky Distilled at the Macallan Distillery Celebrates Charles III’s Coronation

The whisky also honours the work of legendary Macallan designer and marketer David Holmes.

May 2023: To celebrate the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, independent bottler and whisky broker Mark Littler is releasing the 27 Year Old Coronation Reserve, a luscious and luxurious 27 year old whisky distilled at the Macallan distillery. Only 90 bottles will be available for purchase exclusively on the Mark Littler Ltd website for £2,599 and can be shipped worldwide.

Matured in a single ex-bourbon cask, the whisky is bottled at its natural strength of 41% ABV in a Glencairn Crystal Reserve decanter and is fitted inside a handmade royal blue box embossed with King Charles III’s cypher, a perfect fit for the coronation.

The creation of the 27 Year Old Coronation Reserve begins with legendary Macallan designer and marketer David Holmes. He was the co-creator of iconic Macallan whiskies including the Peter Blake 1926 60 Year Old, which is now one of the most expensive whisky bottles in the world, as well as all previous Macallan whiskies celebrating royal family milestones. He also masterminded wildly successful advertising campaigns across the 1970s-1990s which helped establish Macallan as a globally-recognised luxury single malt. These marketing campaigns are now being honoured in the Archival (Folio) Series.

Several years ago, Holmes drew a rough draft for a label made for a future hypothetical whisky bottle celebrating King Charles III’s coronation. Though he passed away in 2018, his son and frequent collaborator Toby completed the label that now graces this bottle.

For connoisseurs and collectors, this marks the 27 Year Old Coronation Reserve as a spiritual heir of previous official releases from Macallan tied to the royal family.

An avid collector of Macallan deeply interested in the distillery’s history, Littler is excited about what this whisky represents:

“David Holmes and his partner-in-crime Nick Salaman were arguably responsible for making Macallan instantly recognisable around the world, they made consumers realise how good the distillery’s whisky is” he commented.

“We’re honoured that Toby was willing to collaborate with us on a world-class whisky that also honours his father David, Macallan’s legacy, and the coronation itself.”

Toby is similarly enthusiastic: “It’s been a fantastic experience to be able to revisit my father’s work. It meant a lot to me personally and professionally to help create a whisky that is a fitting tribute to both him and King Charles III.”

Tasting notes by Phil Dwyer from Whisky Wednesday

Colour – Blonde

Nose – Lemon meringue, marzipan, malty biscuits, malting floor. Soft caramel and toffee. A soft saltiness to counter all of the sweetness, fresh pine wood, and pineapple.

Taste – More creaminess and fresh lemon zest. The barley notes are wonderful and quite a contrast from regular Macallan style. A biscuit note runs through the whole development, accompanied by these gentle sweet notes of brown sugar, coconut, banana, and pineapple.

Finish – More fresh barley and malty creaminess. A very gentle and easy drinking Macallan that is the epitome of what ex-American oak Macallan is all about. Loads of sweet, creaminess with a long but gentle finish.

Notes

Retail listing click HERE

For further information or to request interviews with Mark Littler or Toby Holmes, contact Hannah Thompson at pr@marklittler.com

In depth video about the release click HERE

About Mark Littler Ltd

Website: https://shop.marklittler.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkLittler

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Each week he publishes new videos on his YouTube channel about topics such as cask investment fraud (and how to avoid it), the history of distilleries and bottles, debunking whisky investment myths and much more. For more information visit www.marklittler.com

Jack Daniel’s Introduces New 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey in Its Annual Aged Series Release

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey and 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 available in limited quantities across the US beginning in March 2023

Lynchburg, Tennessee (March 14, 2023) – The Jack Daniel Distillery today announced the release of its new 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey along with Batch 2 of its 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey. The limited whiskeys are the latest in Jack Daniel’s Aged Series, an annual release of age-stated expressions that celebrate the brand’s heritage.

“The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the most complete whiskey distilleries in the world, and we’re fortunate to have a deep history to draw inspiration from and craft premium whiskeys in a way that stays true to our heritage of quality and innovation,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “We released our first age-stated whiskey since the early 1900s in this series about a year ago and were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response. We know there is a lot of excitement for our Aged Series, and we can’t wait to share Batch 2 of our 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey along with the first release of our 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey.”

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old has sweet and creamy notes of pipe tobacco, seasoned oak, and butterscotch. Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Batch 2 is oak forward with layers of dark fruit and bittersweet cocoa.

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey is offered at 107 proof (53.5% abv) and Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2 at 97 proof (48.5% abv). They will be available in the United States beginning in March in 700 mL bottles for suggested retail prices of $80 and $70, respectively.

Grain bills for both expressions are 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye and charcoal mellowed before aging in new, toasted and charred American white oak barrels. Visit www.jackdaniels.com for more information.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, 53.5% alc. by vol. and Jack Daniel’s-10-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey, 48.5% alc. by vol. Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JACK DANIEL’S is a registered trademark. ©2023 Jack Daniel’s. All rights reserved.

Highland Park Releases Oldest Whisky Ever

Orkney-based distillery, Highland Park, has unveiled its new 54 Year Old single malt Scotch Whisky, the oldest release from Highland Park to date, ahead of the distillery’s 225th Anniversary.

The especially rare release will be available from specialist outlets globally from mid-February 2023. Only 225 bottles have been created, by Highland Park Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion.

Originally laid down in 1968, 4 refill butts and 6 refill hogsheads were combined in February 2008 and refilled into first fill European sherry butts, where the whisky continued to mature. The final 14 years of maturation (since 2008) in ex-sherry casks has imparted an additional deep, rich, natural colour and wonderful intensity to the whisky which was bottled at 54 years of age.

Gordon Motion, Highland Park Master Whisky Maker, said: “This exceptionally rare 54 Year Old single malt Scotch Whisky has been nurtured through careful maturation and harmonisation. Representing a quarter of Highland Park’s life, we felt it was a fitting way to mark our 225th anniversary; born and crafted in the heart of Orkney.”

The Highland Park 54 Year Old consists of a bespoke embossed bottle containing the 54 Year Old whisky, a beautiful presentation box crafted from the finest Scottish oak wood, and an invitation for the buyer to attend a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Orkney.

Designed by award-winning craftsperson and designer, John Galvin, the box is sculpted to represent the cliffs of Yesnaby in Orkney. Each piece of wood was hand-blasted, and every box is unique with variations in colour. Revealing the glass inside, Michael Rudak, Senior Designer, Stoelzle Flaconnage, created the stunning bottle housing this rare, limited edition 54 Year Old liquid. Every detail of the bottle has been considered, for example, the conical ‘push’ at the base is a nod to the mash tuns at the distillery. The textural design was inspired by the old red sandstone at the Yesnaby Cliffs and by the idea of that surge of molten lava erupting from the seabed, slowing down as it formed Orkney’s islands.

The new Highland Park 54 Year Old will be available from specialist retailers globally from mid-February 2023. To find out more about Highland Park visit: www.highlandparkwhisky.com

STUDENTS HELP FUEL ENERGY TRANSITION

AT WHISKY MAKERS – WHYTE AND MACKAY 

Students from the University of Highlands and Islands are taking on the Fuel Change ‘Challenge Programme’ to pit their wits against solving real business problems around sustainability and to provide executive leadership teams with new solutions to add a new perspective to how they deliver their net zero future.

The challenge, which has been set by whisky makers Whyte & Mackay, based in Invergordon, will last for 18 weeks during which the 15 students will focus on three key steps:

1. Discovering and understanding the journey that whisky makes from Acorn to Cask, across the breadth of whisky making facilities at Invergordon Distillery.
2. Learning about the practical application of sustainability in a leading Scottish business
3. Through collaboration, learning how to develop creative solutions that help improve environmental practices at the site

This Fuel Change Challenge is the 17^th since the initiative launched in 2020 and is focused on engaging the next generation workforce to drive a positive transition to Net Zero. It has already attracted partnerships with some of the most critical industries from energy, transport and construction.

Jen Tempany, Chief Operating Officer, said: “At Fuel Change we believe true engagement of the next generation will drive a positive transition to net zero. The Fuel Change Challenge is about systematically creating a future workforce who are equipped with the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to positively drive that transition.

“It’s the organisations that are investing in their employees and creatively tackling sustainability issues that are going to have the most success in years to come. We partner with employers and education providers to provide 16-24-year-olds with the opportunity to take on a real-world climate challenge within a business. They’ll work as a team to find a sustainable solution which can be adapted for the long-term benefit of the business.

“Our Challenges are having a huge impact on those are taking part. So far, over 2000 participants have gone through the challenge programme gaining experience across a variety of industries and sectors, developing themselves and in many cases gaining promotion or even employment, as well as having the opportunity to influence how businesses in Scotland adapt to meet the climate challenge. I’m proud to see our 17^th challenge start today and look forward to seeing the progress which the students make with a leading Scottish brand.”

Lisa Munro, Project Engineer on behalf of Whyte and Mackay, said:

“Whyte and Mackay have been fortunate to participate the Fuel Change challenge at COP26 in Glasgow. This new challenge is our first opportunity to invite a fresh perspective on how we fuel our energy transition here in the beautiful North Highlands.

As whisky makers we laid out our vision for a sustainable future in The Whyte and Mackay Green Print. Invergordon Distillery is nestled alongside the Cromarty Firth, Scotland’s great natural waterway, which the First Minster announced of Scotland’s first Green Port. It is an exciting time to be leading the way in sustainability here, and the Fuel Change project is a fantastic initiative that will shine a light on how we deliver a green future.

Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, said “UHI Inverness is pleased to join Whyte and Mackay in the first Fuel Change Spotlight Challenge in the Highlands. This is a fantastic opportunity for our Engineering, Built Environment and Science students to create solutions which incorporate their developing technical skills with sustainable, circular economic and net zero understanding.

“With our drive towards Net Zero by 2040 and the growing local opportunities in developing green technologies, we cannot wait to see what our students develop with Fuel Change over the next few months.

“We at UHI Inverness are pleased to be working in collaboration with a creative and imaginative partner, such as Whyte and Mackay.”

Mechanical electrical engineering student, Nadia Johal, 26 from Inverness, is taking part in the Challenge. Nadia said: “I remember hearing that Waste is a Design flaw, and if I was to sum up what drives my love of engineering, it’s designing solutions to difficult problems. When this opportunity appeared, I knew it would be a great chance to challenge myself towards using my technical experience and further my skills in the circular economy and sustainability, toward solving a real world problem. With the support of Fuel Change & UHI Inverness, I believe that my Team & I will innovate at Invergordon Distillery, and really push a new brilliant green solution to their carbon challenge!” 

SVQ student Brandon Platt,18 from Inverness, is also taking part in the Challenge, said: “This opportunity to dive into a project which incorporates the circular economy in my Engineering learning with a big local company (we all know Whyte and Mackay!) was something I couldn’t pass up. I want to create new solutions to the problems we are facing in the highlands, and I think everyone my age wants to make the world a better place, that’s why I went into engineering and this project is that chance!” 

The students will now begin their 18 week challenge which ends with them presenting their proposal solutions to the Whyte and Mackay Distillery leadership team in later April.

About the Fuel Change National Challenge

Many businesses see sustainability as a cost. We’ve proven that it is an opportunity. Having founded Fuel Change in 2020, we have already worked with 2000 participants and established partnerships with 115 organisations to solve decarbonisation challenges and unleash talent within the Next Generation.

We do this through engaging the skills and talent of the next generation in the workplace.

We take real world problems set by industry and create a range of sustainability focused ‘challenges’ which are worked on by teams of young people. Their solutions hold the potential to alleviate and address the problems faced by many businesses, creating a more integrated and connected workforce. It also identifies and develops young talent, providing the next generation with the opportunity for significant personal and career development.

The Challenge Programme runs for 16 weeks, 2 hours per week. The teams work through three ‘sprints’ where they research the problem, create potential solutions and present their findings. Participants will develop practical skills in innovation, problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and resilience, all whilst building their knowledge and understanding of sustainability.

Whyte and Mackay – Award-Winning Whisky Makers 

Whyte and Mackay are a famed whisky house, home to an award-winning collection of Single Malt Whiskies, led by The Dalmore. The collection includes Jura, the UK’s Number 1 [1] Single Malt, Tamnavulin [2], the world’s (IWSR, 2021)Single Malt and Fettercairn, home to enlightened whisky making.

The Whyte and Mackay Green Print laid out their vision for a sustainable future as whisky makers. In addition each Whyte and Mackay distillery has been inducted to their Scottish Oak Programme, a whisky making initiative that seeks to harness the potential of native, local sourced, Scottish Oak in the whisky making process.

In 2020 the company were publicly recognised by the First Minister of Scotland for their support of the national pandemic response. Whyte and Mackay are official partners to SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health, which saw Whyte and Mackay employees worldwide complete a virtual-race-around-the-world to raise awareness for the charity.

Founded in Glasgow 1844, the whisky makers recently celebrated their 175 year anniversary, and were recognised as Distiller of the Year 2021. Today Whyte and Mackay have offices from New York to Singapore. In Scotland, Whyte and Mackay operate a state-of-the-art Bottling Hall and Distribution Centre in Grangemouth and a Whisky Production and Warehousing Centre in Invergordon – The Invergordon Distillery is home to Whyte and Mackay Blend, as well as contemporary Scotch Whiskies – Shackleton and Woodsman.

[1] Neilsen UK Off Trade MAT 26.03.22

[2] IWSR 2020

BERRY BROS. & RUDD 2023 SPRING RELEASE

CELEBRATES UK SPIRIT

With two Royal Warrants and more than 300 years of history, Britain’s original wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, is celebrating the breadth and depth of UK spirit making with the launch of their 2023 Spring Release.

Featuring Berry Bros. & Rudd’s first ever bottling of an English whisky, the collection also includes  a Portsmouth Rum and six Scotch single malt whiskies.

The Spirit of Yorkshire 2017 PX Finish Cask #2237 celebrates the fertility and rich biodiversity of the Yorkshire Wolds, producing spirit from barley cultivated in-house. Using the iconic Scottish Forsyth stills, the distillery has been making sweet, soft Single Malt since 2016.

 Joe Clark, Whisky Director at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, said:

“There are some things in whisky that you can only do once and this special bottling is definitely one of them. When this delicious, rich and fruity cask of field-to-bottle whisky was bottled it became not only our very first independent bottling but also the first English whisky bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd. To work with Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant for this momentous release is nothing short of an honour and a privilege.”

Jonny McMillan, Reserve Whisky Manager at Berry Bros. & Rudd, added:

“This first ever English Single Malt bottling by Berry Bros. & Rudd is a nice little piece of our history, and is happily an excellent whisky also. It is the first of four English Single Malts we will be bottling this year as part of our very special 325th anniversary of Berry Bros. & Rudd,  so watch this space for more.”

The Portsmouth 2019 Cask #5 rum marks a debut offering from Portsmouth Distillery, a craft rum distillery founded by two ex-Royal Navy officers. Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for three years, this golden rum offers an insight into how small English producers are exploring the beguiling spirit.

Six Scotch single malt whiskies make up the remainder of the collection, including two vibrant bottlings from Benriach Distillery, located near Elgin in Speyside. The single cask Benriach 2010 PX Finish Cask #08037 is abound with traditional character, offering a deliciously rich and vigorous malt, whereas The Benriach 1991 Exceptional Cask #46507 demonstrates the older side of the Scotch coin, resulting in a liquid with an incredibly deep and aged flavour profile.

Also deriving from Speyside, the small batch release of a Glen Elgin 2013 showcases the characterful liquid from the unassuming distillery. Other single cask releases focus more on the Scottish Highland region, including Glencadam 2011 Muscat Finish Cask #800216, Ardmore 2012 Cask #9 and Glen Garioch 2011 Oloroso Finish Cask #08028.

Doug McIvor, Reserve Spirits Manager, commented:

“The 2023 Spring Release is heavily centred on Britain and the talent that can be found on our shores. Whether it be the traditional character of casks from Speyside and the Highlands or exploring the boundary pushing techniques of English distilleries, whisky lovers are sure to be both intrigued and inspired by this release.

We are very pleased to welcome both the Spirit of Yorkshire and Portsmouth distilleries into this release. The 2019 Portsmouth rum is indicative of the promise to be found in Britain’s burgeoning rum scene, and our first foray into English whisky really encapsulates the spirit of its Yorkshire setting.”

The 2023 Spring Release which comprises of Spirit of Yorkshire 2017 PX Finish Cask #2237 (£125.00), Portsmouth 2019 Cask #5 (£69.00), Glen Elgin 2013 (£70.00), Ardmore 2012 Cask #9 (£75.00), Glencadam 2011 Muscat Finish Cask #800216 (£86.00), Benriach 2010 PX Finish Cask #08037 (£96.00), Glen Garioch 2011 Oloroso Finish Cask #08028 (£96.00) and Benriach 1991 Cask #46507 (£800.00), will be available from 6th April 2023 at bbrspirits.com.

TASTING NOTES

Spirit of Yorkshire 2017 PX Finish Cask #2237

The spirit was poured into first-fill ex-bourbon wood in February 2017, then re-racked for two and a half years into rich Pedro Ximénez wood. As with many bottlings from this brilliant distillery, the joy here is the interplay between cask and barley. Unlike most whisky-makers, our friends at Spirit of Yorkshire grow all their own barley and take an immense pride in doing so. Starting from such impeccable raw material in any endeavour gives the greatest chance of success. Here, paired with a potentially domineering ex Pedro-Ximénez Sherry cask, the rich, oily, grain sweetness is a delight. A scant few drops of water release even more sweetness alongside the opulent spice.

RRP £125.00

Glen Elgin 2013 Cask
The nose opens with Glen Elgin’s trademark burnt marmalade notes, alongside some apples and pears. A little time in the glass brings forward notes of crème brûlée with spiced cream. The palate is muscular, reminding us of Glen Elgin’s traditional worm tubs, while a perfect balance of fruit and oak waltz over the tongue. With characterful liquid like this, it’s hard to fathom why Glen Elgin isn’t one of the biggest names in Scotch whisky.

RRP: £70.00

Ardmore 2012 Cask #9
The unique earthy wood smoke drifting out of the glass can only announce the arrival of Ardmore, one of the Highland’s most characterful drams. Ash, hessian, kippers and digestive biscuits mingle with great balance, with a hint of tobacco and fruit cake appearing after some time in the glass. The palate is tremendously smoky, yet still very subtle, with notes of cedar, smoked straw, pipe tobacco and lime zest. Woodland bonfire smoke lasts long on the palate. This is the perfect hill-walking dram – enjoy it at cask strength in gale force wind and rain.

RRP: £75.00

Glencadam 2011 Muscat Finish Cask #800216

A final year maturing in ex-sweet wine casks has brought out the playful fruitiness of this delightful Glencadam. Apricots, peaches, orange blossom and honey yoghurt all flutter out of the glass, making for a wonderfully refreshing nose. The palate is gloriously thick, bringing more bright fruits along with mango syrup, chewy dried pineapple and a hint of drying wood varnish. All of this is wrapped up on the lingering palate by further notes of fruit syrup. This is amazingly fresh and floral.

RRP: £86.00

Benriach 2010 PX Finish Cask #08037

This vibrant Speysider has spent the last two years of its life in a sweet ex- Pedro Ximénez butt, giving a spicy nose full of sticky gingerbread, clove rock and liquorice. A little water coaxes out some juicy pear notes and a touch of underripe mango. The palate is a touch drying at full strength, offering ginger, pepper and sweet plum wine. A little time and dilution show a more complex dram, with layers of fruit, spice and a touch of oak. This is a vigorous whisky perfect for enjoying after dinner alongside dessert.

RRP: £96.00

Glen Garioch 2011 Oloroso Finish Cask #08028

Glen Garioch and Sherry wood are one of the finest matches in the whisky world – which is why this robust malt has spent the last two years building some extra muscle in a first-fill butt. The bouquet offers dark chocolate and tea leaves, with prune cake and spiced sultanas appearing with time. Glen Garioch has incredible body, and the palate is notably thick as dried fruit, wood smoke, brambles and oak spice all demand your attention. The finish lasts long, showing a perfect balance of fruit, spice, smoke and Sherry wood. It’s a perfect marriage of wood and distillate.

RRP: £96.00

Benriach 1991 Cask #45607

Like a good book, this elegant old Speysider builds with time and grows in character – be prepared to give it a good hour in the glass to open up. Aromas of banana bread, musty attics, leather and wax blend with fresher fruit notes to create an incredibly deep nose. This theme continues on the palate, which displays a beautifully aged character, with notes of spiced custard, cardamom fudge. Hints of praline build alongside dried apricot and something pleasingly musty. Lingering spice and fruit show with an unexpected puff of wood smoke on the back palate. This is a marvellous example of aged Speyside whisky.

RRP: £800.00

Berry Bros. & Rudd
Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest family-owned wine and spirits merchant. The brand boasts two Royal Warrants, more than 300 years of history and six Masters of Wine, resulting in a world-class reputation for exceptional wines and spirits. Not just a fine wine retailer, spirits have long been central to the business. Alongside award-winning Speyside single malt whisky The Glenrothes, the spirits portfolio includes the classic No.3 London Dry Gin, Mauritian rum Penny Blue and the unique and historic The King’s Ginger liqueur, while the brand’s acclaimed and award-winning Own Label collection of wines and spirits includes special bottlings from some of the best winemakers and distillers in the world.

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LOST LANTERN INTRODUCES NEW SINGLE DISTILLERY SERIES

Independent Bottler Showcases a New Side of Top American Distilleries

WEYBRIDGE, VT (April 4, 2023)—Lost Lantern, the award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey, is excited to announce the launch of its new Single Distillery Series. For its debut, Lost Lantern closely collaborated with two of the most exciting names in American single malt whiskey: Balcones Distilling in Waco, TX, and Whiskey Del Bac in Tucson, AZ.

Each release in the Single Distillery Series is a blend of multiple casks all sourced from a single distillery. These whiskies allow the Lost Lantern blending team to deeply explore what makes a distillery unique and special, often by bringing together flavors in a new way and showing a new perspective on a distillery. “Balcones and Whiskey Del Bac are two of the leading voices in American single malt, and both have continuously broken new ground for over a decade,” said Lost Lantern Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski. “We were thrilled to work closely with the Balcones and Whiskey Del Bac teams to create the inaugural releases in our Single Distillery Series.” These limited-edition bottlings will appeal to whiskey enthusiasts seeking new flavor combinations and fans of Balcones and Whiskey Del Bac excited to explore the breadth of what those distilleries have to offer.

The new series launches with three whiskies, all American single malts: “Gentle Giant” Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt, “Desert Dessert” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt, and “Mega Mesquite” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt, all priced at $100/750ml.

The bottlings will be available for purchase starting April 26th online at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, as well as at select retailers in California, New York, and Alberta, Canada.

The new Single Distillery Series builds on Lost Lantern’s long-standing Single Cask series, which showcases unique whiskies from well-known distilleries and highlights distilleries that are otherwise difficult to access. “By bringing together several different casks, the whiskies in the Single Distillery Series allow us to explore the full range of flavor a distillery can offer,” commented Ganley-Roper. The series aims to showcase the versatility, breadth, and depth of some of Lost Lantern’s most beloved partners.

The Single Distillery Series will also enable Lost Lantern to make its whiskey more widely available. While all the releases in the series are still limited editions, with the largest being just over 1,000 bottles, the volume of the new series will help Lost Lantern ensure that whiskey lovers can access their releases more easily.

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Lost Lantern. In addition to releasing the new Single Distillery Series, Lost Lantern has unveiled a new look, was named the 2023 American Independent Bottler of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards America in February and on March 30th was named the global Independent Bottler of the Year at the worldwide Icons of Whisky Awards Gala in London. This spring also marks the first time Lost Lantern will be available at select brick-and-mortar retailers in both New York and California.

LOST LANTERN SINGLE DISTILLERY SERIES WHISKIES:

Balcones Distilling is best known for big, bold, rich whiskies born in the Texas heat, yet it also produces elegant and delicate whiskies, often aged in used oak. Gentle Giant shines a light on this side of the Texas pioneer.

1. Lost Lantern “Gentle Giant” Balcones Distilling Texas Single Malt: a fruit-forward whiskey with notes of fresh apple, soft oak, dry spice, and a long finish. This single malt includes whiskey aged in European oak casks, an ex-bourbon barrel, and ex-apple brandy casks.

Proof: 115.2 | Bottles: 1,100 | $100

Named “Best American Single Malt Aged Under 12 Years” at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards 

Whiskey Del Bac’s mesquite-smoked Arizona single malts are a distinctly Southwestern answer to the worldwide tradition of peated whiskies. These two releases show two markedly different sides of what mesquited whiskey can be: boldly and powerfully smoky for “Mega Mesquite,” and rich, bright, and unctuous for “Desert Dessert.”  

2. Lost Lantern “Desert Dessert” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt: a smoky, nuanced, and elegant whiskey with notes of roasted orange, apricot, sweet nectarine, and golden raisin. Made with Whiskey Del Bac’s mesquite-smoked mashbill and partly finished in Sauternes and Pineau des Charentes casks.

Proof: 113.8 | Bottles: 450 | $100

Named “Best American Single Malt” at the Fall 2022 John Barleycorn Awards 

3. Lost Lantern “Mega Mesquite” Whiskey Del Bac Arizona Single Malt: an intense and fiery whiskey with notes of burnt orange, full oak, fiery spice, and rich, savory smoke. A blend of three heavily mesquite-smoked casks, this is one of the smokiest whiskies ever to come from Whiskey Del Bac.

Proof: 120 | Bottles: 180 | $100 

The first three entries in Lost Lantern’s Single Distillery Series will launch on April 26th. Other releases in the series, which will range across all styles of American whiskey, will be released starting later this year.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an independent bottler of American whiskey. In 2023, they were named Independent Bottler of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards America. 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. Currently, the portfolio consists of American Vatted Malt Edition No. 1, an award-winning blend of American single malt whiskey made in collaboration with six U.S. distilleries, 40 single casks (14 of which are available now) and three whiskies from the new Single Distillery Series. Subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter to learn about new offerings as they become available. Lost Lantern Whiskey is available for purchase at LostLanternWhiskey.com, at Seelbachs.com, and at select retailers in California, New York, and Alberta, Canada. 

Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on the following channels:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostlanternwhiskey
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lostlanternwhiskey
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LostLanternDram

Cardrona Distillery launches ‘Full Flight’, two seven-year-old single cask whisky expressions

New Zealand’s premier single malt producer, Cardrona Distillery, has unveiled two milestone single-cask whiskies to mark seven years in oak. The new ‘Full Flight’ expressions have been carefully hand-selected by Distillery Founder Desiree Reid from two very special ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks.

Created to showcase the progress of Cardrona’s single malt, the new additions will join Cardrona’s portfolio of award-winning single cask whiskies, which includes their critically acclaimed ‘Just Hatched’ single cask releases, which sold out in a matter of days, and their five-year-old counterpart ‘Growing Wings’.

The rich Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Sherry bottling was matured for seven years in a González Byass Oloroso sherry butt then transferred to a Pedro Ximénez butt for a decadent finish.

Bottled at 67.2% ABV, flavours of hot cross buns laden with spice, combines with sun-scorched nectarine and a drizzle of Cardrona’s signature borage flower honey. £125 for 350ml.

The exquisite Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Bourbon was matured in an ex-Breckenridge Bourbon cask for seven years. With a 66.9% ABV, flavours of honeyed Central Otago apricots, seasoned with applewood and vanilla are finished with a dollop of rich cream custard. £125 for 350ml.  

Founder Desiree Reid said: “We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of ‘Full Flight’, taking us another step closer towards the release of our signature ten-year-old, and symbolising the last stage of our progress report journey.” 

Cardrona’s whiskies start life as a single malt base spirit, made from barley, yeast and Cardrona Alpine water. The whisky is then distilled in the distillery’s two copper pot stills, from Forsyths of Rothes, Scotland.

For whisky lovers and collectors, Cardrona’s progress report series maps the spirit’s journey towards its future signature 10-year-old.  Cardrona’s icon is named in honour of its guard, the New Zealand falcon – kārearea. It is often found perched at the end of the barrel house, and the bird famously stood on the neck of the wash still as it was craned into the distillery. 

www.cardronadistillery.co.uk 

Instagram:  @cardronadistillery     Facebook: @cardonadistillery    LinkedIn:@cardonadistillery

About Cardrona 

Cardrona is a unique brand, distilling hand-crafted luxury spirits in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Alps to share with the world. The Cardrona story is infused with the magic of the Cardrona Valley and the incredible vision and determination of founder, Desiree Reid, who sold her family farm to pursue her dream of building a modern, family-run distillery in her native New Zealand. She chose the Cardrona Valley for its unspoilt tranquillity, crisp clean air and the availability of superb quality local ingredients, perfect for foraging across the seasons. Most importantly, it gave her access to the crystal-clear, mineral-rich Alpine waters of New Zealand’s highest mountain pass for production.

GORDON & MACPHAIL UNVEILS LAST CASK FROM 1959 AS THIRD EDITION IN THE ‘MR GEORGE LEGACY’ SERIES

The latest whisky in the annual series to celebrate the legacy of George Urquhart – Gordon & MacPhail’s last ever cask from 1959 – has been launched this week.

Matured in a Gordon & MacPhail cask for more than six decades, the Mr George Legacy 1959 from Glen Grant Distillery features a genealogy chart on the label, box and certificate, highlighting the importance of guiding principles handed down from one generation to the next.

‘Mr George’ as he was known, joined his father, John, at the family business ninety years ago in 1933 and became a key advocate of single malt whisky at a time when most whisky was used for blending purposes. Referred to by renowned whisky writer Charlie MacLean as ‘the father of single malt’, George Urquhart was a firm believer in fairness, understanding, the importance of community and planning, guiding principles that are honoured at Gordon & MacPhail to this day.

The whisky was matured in cask no. 3665, a first-fill Sherry butt. Just 368 bottles are available at a remarkable cask strength of 56.5% ABV, providing a rich and complex dram that retains a subtle smokiness not found in modern Speyside whiskies.

Distilled on Thursday 15^th October 1959, this 63-Year-Old edition of the Legacy Series – the third – has an RSP of £6,499*.

On the nose, fragrant autumnal spice aromas intertwine with sweet, dried fruit and demerara sugar. To taste, stewed red fruit flavours lead to Seville orange with a hint of garden mint.  Tart raspberry notes then develop, accompanied by cocoa powder and mature oak, before giving way to a full finish with lingering notes of cinnamon and forest fruits.

Stuart Urquhart, grandson of Mr George and Gordon & MacPhail’s Operations Director, said: “Ninety years ago, my grandfather, Mr George, joined Gordon & MacPhail as an apprentice to his father, John, and his philosophy and principles live on through the business today.

“Mr George’s attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality remain the foundation stones of our business, along with a forward-looking approach and refusal to bow to convention. This greatly aged single malt whisky is a fitting tribute to this ethos.”

Charlie MacLean, whisky expert, remarked: “A magnificent old whisky, wonderfully complex, but still lively in notwithstanding its advanced age. Another worthy tribute to Mr George Urquhart, the man who put malt whisky on the map.”

Celebrating its 125^th anniversary in 2020, Gordon & MacPhail has built up an impressive collection of whiskies from over 100 distilleries maturing in its warehouses, a testament to the close relationships forged with Scotland’s distilleries over many decades.

For more information, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com

#GordonandMacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Legacy 1959 from Glen Grant Distillery

Glen Grant 1959

56.5% ABV

Filled: 15 October 1959

Bottled: 02 November 2022

Age: 63

Cask Type/ Number: First-Fill Sherry Cask, 3665

Outturn of 368 bottles

Tasting notes:

Aroma

Fragrant autumnal spice aromas intertwine with sweet, dried fruit and demerara sugar. Soft citrus zest comes to the fore alongside beeswax polish and walnut.

Palate

Stewed red fruit flavours lead to Seville orange with a hint of garden mint. Tart raspberry notes develop accompanied by cocoa powder and mature oak.

Finish

A full finish with lingering cinnamon and forest fruits.

About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies:

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own bespoke casks. It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

• ‘Discovery’ – This flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio. Always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces