Inaugural Release: Macaloney’s Triple Distilled Potstill Whiskies

As Macaloney’s Island Distillery Whiskymaker, I am proud to let you know that the long-awaited, first ever, ‘inaugural release’ of our triple distilled potstill whiskies is going live now, exclusively in Canada. Please check out https://victoriacaledonian.com/ for details including free shipping across Canada (for 2 bottles or more).

This limited release includes Killeigh (‘Canadian Best‘ @ World Whiskies Awards) and Kildara Whiskymaker’s Signature Expressions whose cartons proudly display ‘Batch 1’ on the front, plus the Kirkinriola Single Cask release which displays the cask #. Bottles of all three whiskies are individually numbered by hand to enhance their collectable value.

Did you know that our investors get early access to new releases like these? Preferred shareholders also receive a 10% discount on their purchases and an annual whisky dividend. Click here to learn more.

Killeigh – Whiskymaker’s Signature Selection 

Killeigh won Best Potstill Whisky in Canada at the prestigious 2022 World Whiskies Awards.  It was created with a combination of Kentucky Ex-Bourbon wood, European oak, and Virgin American oak casks.

The nose presents cream soda, soft vanilla and oak, with apricot, pear, hints of banana, sweet pea flowers, milled oats and honey. The white wine European oak is delicate and layered.  The palate is velvety-creamy with more tropical fruits including sweet lychees, mandarin orange, and delicate banana embellished with honey and barley water. Fresh rose petals and a potpourri of dried flowers and wood spice yield to vanilla, oak and coconut with a hint of linseed, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Kildara – Whiskymaker’s Signature Selection – lightly Sherried

Kildara is the culmination of carefully selected and married Spanish Oloroso, Kentucky Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, and Pedro Ximénes (PX) casks. The result is a full bodied, triple distilled single potstill, island whisky with delicate Sherry notes.

On the nose, you’ll enjoy notes of dried fruit cake, vanilla crème laced with cinnamon, demerara sugar, and old seasoned leather. Abundant tropical fruits include candied orange, dried apricot, figs, ripe blackberries, blackcurrant jam, dried raisins and roasted nuts are also apparent. The palate is velvety-soft, resplendent with full bodied Sherry and tropical fruit. Oatmeal develops to oak spices, coffee, dark chocolate orange, nectarines, stewed plums, blackcurrant, red currant and sultana’s, coming together as sweet dark fruitcake and honey.

Kirkinriola: Single Cask Moscatel  

Kirkinriola Moscatel is our first triple distilled single cask whisky release. This whisky is for the purists and collectors who want to experience the Moscatel Sweet White Wine cask in its unadulterated form.

The nose is resplendent of Muscat grape, sweet white wine and a well-developed European oak presence including vanilla, honey, and marzipan, walnut and nutmeg. Barley, oatmeal and malted milk yield to abundant tropical fruits including dried apricot, ripe peaches and sultanas. The creamy mouthfeel leads to full bodied moscatel and oak, vanilla beans, dried ginger, ripe cherries, pear, lychees, dried coconut and lemon zest. The juicy barley and malt suggest digestive biscuits layered with treacle, followed by linseed, comfortable leather furniture, walnut, almonds and pecans, with a hint of salt and dry oaken finish.

What’s behind this new range of Triple Distilled Potstill whiskies?   

These triple distilled potstill expressions are a tribute to Dr. Swan by our Master Whiskymaker Dr. Graeme Macaloney. Dr. Swan had always wanted to apply his methods to triple-distilled potstill whiskies but sadly passed away before he could do so. Graeme, studied the traditional methods for distilling this style of whisky and overlaid Dr. Swans methods here in Canada. The result is that the patient, yet purposeful, triple distillation produces a complex, layered and balanced new-make spirit.  Dr. Swan described our original new-make which trickles off our copper pot stills as:

“the best that I have tasted in any distillery at this stage, super fruity.”

This triple-distillate is even smoother and fruitier!  When we submitted the newmake underpinning all of these triple distilled potstill whiskies to the World Whiskies Awards, it took a gold medal, ‘Best in Canada‘, and ranked top 2 in the World!

Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ Fantasy Camp Postponed

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today that its annual Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ fantasy camp won’t happen in September 2022, but the prestigious event is being reimagined for 2023.

The KDA created the KBA eight years ago as a world-class celebration featuring daily behind-the-scenes access at the nation’s most iconic distilleries, with elite nightcap dinners and fetes in Louisville starring Kentucky’s historic Bourbon culture and top-shelf culinary scene.

KDA President Eric Gregory said participating distillers simply don’t have the bandwidth and workforce to manage the immersive, week-long showcase – and many are already booked for months as visitors have returned in droves to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour.

“These intimate, rare, backstage experiences are what make the Kentucky Bourbon Affair such a magical event, and we’re concerned that it would not live up to the high expectations from our devoted fans, many of whom come back year after year,” Gregory said.

With 50 members now across 40 Kentucky counties, Gregory said the KDA is taking the time to reimagine the Kentucky Bourbon Affair™ with plans to return in 2023. It has been postponed since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

“The Bourbon Affair is a bucket list adventure and the only event that’s exclusively produced by the distilleries themselves,” he said. “We look forward to a fresh, new approach to the KBA next year and thank all our fans for their patience and understanding.”

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. 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. 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.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®,, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. 

Looking For Distilling Duo to Make History

Wooler-based distillery, Ad Gefrin, is seeking two distillers to help produce Northumberland’s first whisky

New English whisky distillery, Ad Gefrin, is seeking two passionate distillers to help take on the exciting task of making Northumberland’s first legal single malt whisky. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team as Ad Gefrin starts an extraordinary journey based on a unique heritage, distilling traditions and combined with contemporary innovation. The appointed distillers will be joining a growing team and it is hoped that together they will help to shape a long-lasting legacy for Wooler and Northumberland.

Nestled at the base of the Cheviot hills, Ad Gefrin visitor experience and distillery tells the stories of, and is inspired by, the 7th Century summer palace of the kings and queens of Northumbria, discovered only four miles north of Wooler. Ad Gefrin is a family-owned business with an ambition to quite literally ‘distil Northumberland’ using Northumbrian Barley and Cheviot water sourced from a borehole on site at the distillery.

The two distillers will be responsible for all production operations for whisky and any other spirit produced as part of the company’s suite of spirits. As well as managing the process, from milling and mashing to routine sampling of raw materials and new malt distillate, they will have an in depth understanding of the overall business and background to production. The candidates must be excited to explore, learn and bring new ideas forward.

Giving further background, Ben Murphy, Director of Distilling at Ad Gefrin, said:

“We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for quality and experience in relevant fields. Qualifications in brewing and distilling or a similar field would be beneficial. We require people who are up for getting stuck in to helping us produce Northumberland’s first legal single malt whisky and be a part of an exciting new era.”

If you have relevant experience and are interested in joining the Ad Gefrin team, please send a covering letter and a copy of your CV to – work@adgefrin.co.uk.

 NOTES:

About Ad Gefrin

Ad Gefrin is a £12m world-class visitor experience and whisky distillery that will reveal the fascinating history of Northumberland’s Anglo Saxon ‘Golden Age’. Informed by one of the 20^th century’s most remarkable archaeological finds – the internationally renowned archaeological site, Yeavering – the centre will recreate the Great Hall of the royal summer palace of the 7^th century Northumbrian kings and queens. Ad Gefrin is funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the North East Rural Growth Network – Strategic Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEIF), North East LEP and Northumberland County Council.

About Yeavering (the archaeological site of Ad Gefrin) 5 miles from Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery

Internationally renowned, Yeavering is the most thoroughly excavated Anglo Saxon palace complex in Europe and the only archaeological site to have evidence of a timber grandstand and gathering place. This was the 7^th Century royal summer residence of early Anglo-Saxon kings and queens including Aethelfrith, Edwin and Aethelburga, the saintly Oswald and his younger brother Oswy.  Discovered in 1949 through aerial photography, and excavated by Brian Hope-Taylor in the 1950’s and 60’s, the scheduled archaeological site is today under the ownership and management of The Gefrin Trust. The Trust was formed to ensure the future preservation of the site through sympathetic management, conservation and investigation. Ad Gefrin Visitor Experience and Distillery is working in partnership with The Gefrin Trust to further illuminate the importance of the archaeological site within the exhibition at the Visitor Centre.

About Borderlands Partnership

The Borderlands Partnership consists of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal was agreed between the Borderlands Partnership, the UK Government and the Scottish Government in March 2021. The Deal will deliver up to £350 million investment in projects across the region from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside local investment of £100 million. Projects in England are supported through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities funding including Ad Gefrin. More information can be found at www.borderlandsgrowth.com

About the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a public, private, and education sector partnership that covers Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland local authority areas.

LinkedIn: @adgefrin

Facebook: @AdGefrin

Instagram: @adgefrin

COLLECTION OF AMERICAN BOURBON GREATS TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY

A collection of bourbon whiskies from past and present American greats is set to go under the hammer on Independence Day by specialist whisky auction site, Whisky Hammer.

A unique selection of bourbon and other sought-after American whiskies will be put up for auction on Monday 4^th July as part of Whisky Hammer’s The Spirit of America Whiskey Auction – coinciding with Independence Day.

With one bottle valued up to £25,000, many of the desirable expressions hold an illustrious position in American whiskey history from brands such as Pappy Van Winkle, Old Forester, Stitzel-Weller, EH Taylor and Willett Family Estate.

E.H Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash will also go under the hammer, with a price estimate of £13,000. This bourbon was created by Buffalo Trace retirees using a method used for making ‘old fashioned sour mash’ whiskey – a technique used by Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr in the late 1800s.

Private sellers can add bottles to the auction by getting in touch with Whisky Hammer before the submission deadline of Monday 27^th June – contact details can be found at www.whiskyhammer.com.

Daniel Milne, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Whisky Hammer, said: “This is an exciting collection for us to be auctioning – and not just because of the variety of bourbon on offer. Some of the stories behind these bottles are fascinating and give an insight into different time periods in American whiskey.

“Many bourbon collectors have never taken part in an auction before, so this is their chance to bid on and secure a drop of bourbon history.”

Online whisky auction business Whisky Hammer was started in 2016 by brothers Daniel and Craig Milne who are originally from Macduff, near Speyside, an area renowned for the production of Scotch whisky.

Whisky Hammer re-located in 2019 to a new, purpose-built facility in Aberdeenshire, which is also home to Still Spirit – a whisky shop, e-commerce site and dram bar offering over 100 rare whiskies to taste while overlooking the beautiful Scottish countryside.

The business hosts monthly auctions dedicated to whisky and other fine spirits, which attract more than 200,000 buyers and sellers from every corner of the globe. It has auctioned a wide range of whiskies, both bottles and casks, recently achieving the world record for the highest value cask ever sold at auction.

The Spirit of America Whiskey Auction will go live on Whisky Hammer from 7pm (BST) on Monday 4^th July. For further information or to register interest, visit whiskyhammer.com

Follow Whisky Hammer on @whiskyhammer on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.whiskyhammer.com

https://www.stillspirit.co.uk

Elixir Distillers to buy Tormore Distillery from Pernod Ricard

Independent whisky specialist, Elixir Distillers, has today signed an agreement to buy the Tormore distillery and brand from Pernod Ricard.

The acquisition is the latest move from co-founders and owners Rajbir and Sukhinder Singh to develop Elixir Distillers into a world-leading brand owner, distiller and independent bottler.

Sukhinder Singh explained: “Tormore is one of the most visually stunning distilleries in Speyside. It produces a beautiful spirit and fits in perfectly with the Elixir Distillers flavour-first philosophy to bottle only the very highest quality whiskies. We are hoping to build on the work that’s been done by Pernod Ricard to bring to life the magic of Tormore and show consumers around the world just what a hidden gem it is. We are humbled to be the new custodians of Tormore; we couldn’t have asked for a better distillery to welcome to the Elixir family alongside our new Islay distillery, Portintruan.”

Tormore distillery was built in 1960, designed by renowned architect and President of the Royal Academy, Sir Albert Richardson, whose style combined neoclassicism with modernism. Historically known as ‘the pearl of Speyside’, the beauty and uniqueness of its architectural design were recognised in 1986 when the distillery was granted listed building status. It is one of the first distilleries you encounter when you travel north to Speyside and is located close to Cragganmore, Ballindalloch and Glenfarclas distilleries.

Tormore distillery has been owned by Pernod Ricard since 2005. It is among one of the larger distilleries in Scotland with a capacity of just under 5 million litres of alcohol per year, providing the potential for long term growth. The deal with Elixir Distillers includes inventory of aged stock.

Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, stated: “Active portfolio management is an integral part of our long-term strategy. The sale of the Tormore brand and distillery follows the recent announcement of our investment behind the Aberlour and Miltonduff facilities, which will increase our Scotch production capacities by 14 million litres of alcohol per annum. We are delighted to be handing Tormore over to Sukhinder and Rajbir, two friends and truly creative entrepreneurs and look forward to finding new ways to collaborate in the future.”

Sukhinder and Rajbir foresee a bright future for Tormore: “We’re committed to creating a new era for Tormore. Our goal is to establish the reputation of Tormore on the global stage to match the special quality of the whisky. We want Tormore to stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the biggest names in single malt whisky and we plan to release a brand range that Scotland will be proud of. We want to make this a real destination for all visitors to Speyside; we will be refurbishing the distillery and we also plan to build a visitor centre.”

About Elixir Distillers

Founded by Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh, Elixir Distillers is a creator, blender and bottler of fine spirits, combining delicious, characterful liquid with beautiful design. Their expertise is Scotch whisky and rum but they also work with Japanese whisky, tequila and other spirits. Their core brands include Port Askaig, Elements of Islay, Single Malts of Scotland and Black Tot which they export to more than 30 international markets around the world. They are building a new distillery on Islay, Portintruan, which is due to open in 2024, which will perfectly complement Speyside’s Tormore distillery in their portfolio.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits. The Group, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive portfolio in the industry with over 240 premium brands distributed across more than 160 markets. Pernod Ricard’s portfolio includes Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term and sustainable growth for all its stakeholders, remaining true to its founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and strong sense of ethics.

Lux Row Distillers Introduces Ezra Brooks 99, Rebel 100 in 1.75L Bottles

Brands expand offerings to meet increasing consumer demand for premium and super-premium bourbons

St. LOUIS (June 8, 2022) – Lux Row Distillers – the Bardstown, Kentucky, home of the Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Daviess County, David Nicholson and Blood Oath bourbon brands – has added two SKUs to its repertoire of offerings at retail. Beginning in June, the distillery’s Ezra Brooks 99 and Rebel 100 brands will be available in 1.75L bottles at a minimum suggested retail price of $44.99 and $35.99, respectively.

Introduced in early 2021, Ezra Brooks 99 is a pure, oak-barrel-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey elevated to 99 proof. Charcoal filtered for a smooth, mellow finish, Ezra Brooks 99 features the same spicy, ryed-bourbon-mash-bill taste as the original Ezra Brooks, but with an enhanced flavor profile delivered by the higher proof. Introduced in 2019, Rebel 100 is a smooth wheated bourbon that offers the same round body and full flavor of the original Rebel Bourbon but takes it a step further by dialing up the proof to 100.

The level of sales success enjoyed by both Ezra Brooks 99 and Rebel 100 is a key factor in the decision made at Lux Row Distillers to expand these brand offerings by including both variants in 1.75L bottles.

“Since their respective launches in 2019 and 2021, Rebel 100 and Ezra Brooks 99 have been very popular with our customers,” said Eric Winter, whiskey brand manager for Lux Row Distillers. “Our decision to include both brands in 1.75L bottles is a reflection of their continued popularity, as well as our ongoing effort to give our customers what they are looking for.” 

According to research provided by Mintel (source: Lightspeed/Mintel – US Dark Spirits Report, Nov. 2020), consumers are seeking spirits they consider “premium,” as defined by a combination of superior taste, heritage, price and awards won, among other factors. This research is supported by recent Nielsen market data (source: Nielsen 52 wks 9L cases, week ending 1-1-2022), which indicates consumer movement away from value brands and toward more premium offerings.   

“Over the years Luxco has innovated within the whiskey category to keep up with the demands of the changing consumer by introducing more unique premium offerings,” said Luxco VP of Marketing Fletcher Buchman. “Over the past five to seven years, the demand for – and growth of – the premium and super-premium bourbon categories continue to grow, and we are prepared to grow along with it.”

About Luxco 

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com

Topping out ceremony takes place at The Cairn

Andy Kitchin (Visitor Experience Manager), Alasdair Manson (Distiller), Paul McWhirter (stone mason), Mhairi Winters (Distillery Manager), Chaz Horne (3rd year apprentice), Hugh MacKay (1st year apprentice).

The traditional “topping out” ceremony, which marks the completion of external construction has taken place at The Cairn Distillery at Grantown-on-Spey

Hugh MacKay, 1^st year apprentice from AB Masonry, and Mhairi Winters, Distillery Manager, did the honours of placing a bottle of whisky in a cavity in the stonework.

The Cairn is a second distillery for renowned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail, the family firm based in Moray. Appropriately, it was a bottle of Benromach which was used for the ceremony, acknowledging the company’s first distillery at Forres.

In a tradition thought to have been brought here by the Vikings, the topping out ceremony used to mark the installation of the final beam in a building. But it has developed over the years to mark completion of the external construction work and now, in Scotland at least, it’s traditional to include the use of Scotch whisky.

The ceremony usually involves the youngest on the site and in this case Hugh MacKay 1^st year apprentice was given the task. He commented: “It’s been great to be involved in a project of this size in my first year and I have really enjoyed being part of the team constructing such a unique building. I can’t wait to see what the whisky is like in many years’ time.”

Distillery Manager Mhairi Winter said: “it’s wonderful to take part in this traditional ceremony which dates back so many centuries. And it marks another milestone as we move towards completion, ready to open later in the year.”

Planning permission for the distillery was granted in 2019 and work started on site once COVID restrictions on construction were lifted in July 2020.

Opening to the public later this year, The Cairn Distillery overlooks the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  It will offer a selection of immersive visitor experiences, whisky tastings and carefully selected gifts.  Visitors will also be able to eat @ The Gathering and experience the finest produce sourced from throughout Scotland. It has been designed to sit within this world class setting with features including a “green” sedum roof which was recently installed.

Gordon & MacPhail has built strong relationships with its local communities in Forres and Elgin and is determined to maintain that tradition in Grantown on Spey. The distillery will become a major tourist destination on the outskirts of the town and act as a gateway to Speyside.

Notes 

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, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 127 years after it was first established in 1895.  The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

The Dalmore Principal Collection Comes of Age with

21 Year Old 2022 Edition Highland Single Malt

Distinguished by a 100% finish in Rare Matusalem Oloroso Sherry Casks

The 21 Year Old epitomises the meticulous craft and curation of casks synonymous with The Dalmore

The Dalmore Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has introduced a new 21 Year Old, set to become the pinnacle of The Dalmore Principal Collection. This elegant expression showcases the care taken to nurture The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky across 21 years of whisky making artistry. This new annual release is strictly limited to 8,000 bottles and available to purchase and enjoy in select locations worldwide.

The Dalmore 21 is a celebration – 21 years in the making.  It captures the essence of the carefully composed spirit produced by The Dalmore’s symphony of stills, with a character developed over 21 years. The Dalmore’s whisky artistry team takes exceptional care to balance the influence of the rare casks and ensure that the character of The Dalmore 21 Years Old shines through.

A toast to the refinement that comes with age, The Dalmore 21 Year Old is a celebration of exceptional character and showcases the potential that emerges at this milestone, evolving to create a true masterpiece worth commemorating.

The Dalmore distillery produces a spirit renowned for depth and finesse, perfectly suited to maturation in carefully curated casks. This new expression rests for an initial period in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. The whisky is then matured in specially selected rare casks sourced from esteemed sherry makers Gonzalez Byass, of Jerez. These casks were previously used within the unique solera system to produce the distinguished 30 Year Old Matusalem oloroso sherry.

The Dalmore 21 Year Old composition features a refined house style of bitter chocolate, Seville blood orange and subtle spice. The Dalmore whisky artistry team has sought to create harmony in this expression, balancing the characteristics of Columbian coffee on the nose, sweet liquorice on the palette and peaches on the finish.

Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass explains: “Only after 21 years can a whisky of this quality and depth emerge, creating a delectably distinguished Single Malt.

“The Dalmore 21 Year Old is a result of patience and craftsmanship which we’re tremendously proud to celebrate. We created this spirit for those looking for the finest of whiskies, whilst also creating an opportunity for those embarking on their whisky journey to try something truly inspirational and remarkable from The Dalmore.”

The Dalmore Principal Collection is an exceptional collection of eight Single Malt Whiskies, each an expression of The Dalmore’s signature depth and finesse. The Dalmore 21 Years Old will become the pinnacle of the collection that features the iconic The Dalmore King Alexander III and The Dalmore 18 Years Old.

The Dalmore 21 Years Old (bottled to be enjoyed at ABV 43.8%) is available from select retailers worldwide with an RRP of £575.

Tasting notes 

Aroma – Generous and full as appealing aromas of dark bitter chocolate, overripe Seville oranges, Colombian coffee and vanilla come into play. A whisper of toffee apple and pecan pie dance in the background with great charm and persistence.

Palate – Explosive, heart-warming as a cascade of alluring flavours roll over the palate; sweet liquorice stick, grippy Black Forest fruits, roasted walnuts and thick marzipan make their presence felt before another level of luxury follows on – succulent peaches in a thick syrup, ginseng, pear tarte tatin and Sanguinello blood oranges.

Facebook @thedalmore

Instagram @thedalmore

Twitter DalmoreWhisky

About The Dalmore

For 180 years The Dalmore has been a masterpiece in the making. A Single Malt Whisky like no other, overseen by an unbroken chain of visionary whisky artistry teams, whose entrepreneurial spirit and restless pursuit of the perfect whisky endures today. Current Master Distiller, Mr. Richard Paterson, celebrates his sixth decade at The Dalmore in 2020. Richard Paterson continues to hand-select rare casks from the world’s finest bodega and wineries in which to mature the carefully composed sprit. This commitment is at the heart of our exceptional whiskies.

When asked what the greatest Dalmore he has ever made is; our Master Distiller, Richard Paterson responded: “We haven’t made it yet.”

The Dalmore Single Malt Whisky is available worldwide in the finest outlets, from Harrods, London, Galleries La Fayette of Paris, Beverly Wilshire of Los Angeles, and Shangri-La, Shanghai. For those that enjoy fine travel, The Dalmore is now available at 40,000 feet with Emirates First Class, and onboard Queen Mary II of Cunard.

Worldwide demand for The Dalmore by consumers and collectors alike has continued to grow. The Dalmore is now the fastest growing single malt whisky worldwide[1] and a Top Three Whisky Investment.[2]

[1] [1] IWSR 2021 Absolute volume growth, Malt Scotch Category

[2] Citation 2: Rare Whisky 101: The 2016 Collectors and Investors Single Enjoy responsibly, Malt Scotch Review

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE^® 2022 Results Announced

 WHISKY – CANADA

WhistlePig The Boss Hog VIII LapuLapu’s Pacific Straight Rye

WHISKEY – IRELAND

Blended: J.J. Corry The Gael

Single Pot Still: Redbreast 21 Years Old

Single Malt: Knappogue Castle 21 Years Old 

WHISKY – SCOTLAND

Blended: Dewar’s Double Double 32 Years Old

Blended Malt: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Batch #13 Tabanco Time 11 Years Old

Single Malt-Highland: Glenmorangie Truffle Oak Reserve 26 Years Old

Single Malt-Island: Highland Park Viking Honour 12 Years Old

Single Malt-Islay: Ardbeg Uigedail

Single Malt-Speyside: Mortlach Cowie’s Blue Seal 20 Years Old

WHISKEY – USA

Bottled-In-Bond: Old Fitzgerald Spring 2022 Edition 17 Years Old

Bourbon: Eagle Rare 17 Years Old

Rye: Smooth Ambler Founders’ Cask Strength Series

Single Barrel: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel

Single Malt: Courage & Conviction Cuvée Single Cask, Cask No. 1266

Tennessee: Jack Daniel’s 10 Years Old

Wheat: Bainbridge Battle Point Two Islands Islay Cask

Other: Barrell Whiskey Private Release DJA1 Blend 1 Finished in a St. Agrestis Brooklyn Amaro Cask

WHISK(E)Y – WORLD

Japanese: Matsui The Kurayoshi Sakura Cask Japanese Single Malt

World: Seven Seals The Age of Pisces Oloroso Sherry Wood Finish Single Malt

June 8, 2022 (Hawthorne, NY) – Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC), since 2010 the world’s most prestigious global spirits competition, today releases the results of the 2022 Challenge. USC 2022 proved to be the thirteenth consecutive year of record submissions. Entries arrived from more than 50 spirit-producing nations.

The judging, held through May and early June, determined 57 Chairman’s Trophy winners, 274 Finalists, 446 Great Values, and 143 Tried & True Award winners. As always, USC was conducted at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center, located in Hawthorne, NY.

Says UBC Co-Founder and Judging Director F. Paul Pacult, “Aside from being the largest USC ever, this year’s Challenge was likewise the most global, with an impressive array of quality distillates from places as far away from New York as China, Australia, Ecuador, India, and Chile. Virtually all categories saw healthy gains, most notably gin, Ready-to-Drink cocktails, mezcal, rum, tequila, rum, vodka, and all whiskey and brandy categories.

“Since producers tend to enter their top-shelf marques into USC, it’s clear that they look to us for the most accurate and unbiased data in the industry. We already look forward to USC 2023!”

ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE…No shortcuts. Just honest, impartial judging

After undergoing careful analysis through multiple panels, all products are rated on the 100-point scale by the spirits industry’s most renowned judges including buyers, journalists, educators, authors, and bar owners.

Spirits scoring 85+ points receive a detailed tasting note. All spirits scoring 80+ points receive an individual results page, which provides all downloadable marketing material.

USC results are promoted globally and on social media.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of spirits for producers, importers, and marketers through its innovative annual competition: Ultimate Spirits Challenge. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot.