GLENALLACHIE UK SINGLE CASKS PLUS

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE BOTTLING REVEALED

New batch of UK Single Casks unveiled as the Scotch whisky distillery

gears up for the hotly anticipated Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2022 

The GlenAllachie Distillery today launches a trio of expressions forming batch 6 of their UK-exclusive Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, alongside a distillery-exclusive bottling for this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which will run from 27^th of April to the 2^nd of May 2022.

The Aberlour-based distillery, headed up by industry veteran Billy Walker, took home Visitor Attraction of the Year 2022 at the Icons of Whisky Awards.

Renowned for releasing rare and ground-breaking expressions thanks to Walker’s unparalleled wood management prowess, each cask was selected from an inventory spanning over 50,000 casks maturing within 16 on-site warehouses.

The four new Single Cask Single Malts released include:

• The GlenAllachie 15-year-old Cask #3292 ex-Solera Oloroso Butt (Spirit of Speyside 2022)
• The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Cask #1036 Premier Cru Classé Barrique
• The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask #5368 Tawny Port Hogshead
• The GlenAllachie 9-year-old Cask #806890 Peated Bourbon Barrel

The GlenAllachie 15-year-old exclusively for the Spirit of Speyside Festival (59.4% ABV, UK RRSP £175) was aged in a fresh Bourbon barrel followed by a first-fill Oloroso puncheon before being re-racked into an antique Oloroso Sherry butt previously used as part of an intricate solera system for 55 long years.

Solera is a maturation process deployed by Bodegas involving fractional blending in such a way that the finished product is a combination of ages, ensuring continuation of flavour profile through each vintage produced.

This incredibly lengthy cask history enabled the wood to impart deeply intense and complex layers of flavour upon the classic GlenAllachie DNA. This sumptuous Single Cask is only available at their distillery shop.

The Premier Cru Classé barrique (59.9% ABV, UK RRSP £100) is a cask which previously matured premium first growth Bordeaux red wine before hosting the GlenAllachie spirit for 11 years. The result is a single malt bursting with Turkish delight, cinnamon stewed apples and summer berries.

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Port Hogshead (56.5% ABV, UK RRSP £95) delivers a vibrant, fruity flavour profile and ruby blush appearance following maturation in a cask sourced from Portugal which formerly held vintage Tawny Port.

The 9-year-old Single Cask (60.1% ABV, UK RRSP £90) was filled to an ex-Bourbon barrel which was used to age peated spirit distilled at The GlenAllachie Distillery. This very rare cask type has bestowed subtle notes of burnt sugar alongside root ginger and black pepper.

All GlenAllachie Single Casks are proudly presented at their natural colour, non chill filtered and at natural cask strength for maximum flavour and mouthfeel.

Commenting on the new products, Walker remarks:

“At GlenAllachie, we are deeply passionate about sourcing unique and innovative casks, particularly from premium, niche producers. Each of these casks selected reflect this; from the French fine wine barrique to the antique Sherry butt which dates back to the middle of the 20^th Century, each brings considerable character and charm to the table.

“We now look forward with great delight to welcoming whisky fans from across the world to our hidden gem for the Spirit of Speyside Festival, with these spectacular drams getting the limelight they deserve.”

Batch 6 of The GlenAllachie UK Single Casks will be available via specialist retailers across the country from the week commencing 2^nd May, whilst the distillery’s on-site shop will have stock of all four Single Casks from today.

ABOUT GLENALLACHIE:

One of Scotland’s few independently owned and managed distilleries, The GlenAllachie is led by industry veteran, Billy Walker, who boasts a 50-year tenure in whisky. With an emphasis on wood policy, The GlenAllachie’s cask budget for 2022 stands at an eye-watering £2m/$2.6m. With 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, we have complete control of the end-to-end maturation process.

The GlenAllachie focusses on quality over quantity, which is why we chose to reduce our production capacity from 4m to 500,000 Litres of Alcohol and increase our fermentation period to 160 hours for an ester rich, fruity spirit.

We believe age and integrity matter, which is why all our whiskies carry an age statement, and are bottled at a minimum of 46% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered for maximum flavour experience.

Our other brands are MacNair’s Boutique House of Spirits – encompassing Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky.

Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com

Facebook – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Twitter – @TheGlenAllachie    |    Instagram – @theglenallachie_

TASTING NOTES

The GlenAllachie 15-year-old Cask #3292 ex-Solera Oloroso Butt (Spirit of Speyside Festival 2022) – 59.4% ABV

• Colour: Intensely Rich Mahogany.
• Nose: Bursting with fig syrup, muscovado sugar and heather honey, with waves of soft spice, dried dark fruits and orange zest.

• Taste: Lashings of honeyed apricots, sticky sultanas and coffee beans, with crystallised ginger, Black Forest gateau and pecan pie.

The GlenAllachie 11-year-old Cask #1036 Premier Cru Classé Barrique – 59.9% ABV

• Colour: Ruby Blush.
• Nose: Bursting with apple peel, cinnamon and heather honey, with rose petals, dark chocolate and Turkish delight.

• Taste: Waves of butterscotch, honeysuckle and mint, followed by bursts of strawberry, ginger and almonds.

The GlenAllachie 10-year-old Cask #5368 Tawny Port Hogshead – 56.5% ABV

• Colour: Deep Cherry Red.
• Nose: Waves of orchard fruit, honeycomb and strawberry coulis, with almonds, maple syrup ginger and pineapple.

• Taste: Layers of dried berries, cinnamon and heather honey, followed by notes of soft spice, pecans and rose petals.

The GlenAllachie 9-year-old Cask #806890 Peated Bourbon Barrel – 60.1% ABV

• Colour: Golden Sunset.
• Nose: Layers of smoked pine nuts, ginger and cigar box, followed by heather honey, soft spice and burnt brown sugar.

• Taste: Lashings of butterscotch, ginger and toasted almonds, with delicate notes of caramelised sugar, dark chocolate and black pepper.

Award-winning distillery Glen Scotia unveils new limited-edition ‘Festival Release 2022’

Glen Scotia has unveiled its Festival Release 2022, to celebrate the return of the Campbeltown Malts Festival this year (24-26^th May).

The exquisite 8-year-old expression has been matured in heavily peated, first-fill bourbon barrels before a twelve-month finish in Pedro Ximénès hogsheads, a fortified dessert wine from southern Spain, giving it a perfect balance of gentle smoke, treacle and spice interwoven with Glen Scotia’s signature maritime notes.

The classic coastal influencer so well known in Glen Scotia drams comes through on the nose alongside notes of soft peat smoke, vanilla then fresh apples and pears. In the mouth, the liquid is smooth and silky with hints of runny treacle, spicy white pepper, sweet fruits and salted toffee – a wonderful balance of spice and the sherry cask influence. The finish picks up the mellow sea influence and light, floral honey.

Non-chill filtered, the heavily-peated and rich, amber-coloured liquid has been bottled at cask strength, 56.5% ABV. This limited edition will be available worldwide through specialist retailers, and to buy from the Glen Scotia UK online store from late April, priced at £55.

The Campbeltown Malts Festival is a pinnacle moment in the town’s calendar each year. It celebrates the exceptional whisky-production capabilities of the fifth whisky region and provides a platform for the three remaining distilleries in the town to showcase their artistry in dram-making to visitors from around the world.

Held online last year due to the restrictions of Covid-19, hundreds of whisky fans are expected to make the trip to Scotland’s west coast for a series of exclusive tours, tastings and celebrations including talks and experiments with whisky writers, Charles Maclean and Becky Paskin. Once known as the ‘Victorian whisky capital of the world’, Campbeltown’s whisky has been revived in recent years thanks to the efforts and superb quality of the spirit being produced by the last few distilleries.

Last year, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old was awarded ‘Best in Class’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition out of more than 3,800 entries, and in December it was crowned Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager and Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “Our Festival Release 2022 is very special as it heralds the return of the much-loved Malts Festival and the opportunity for us to showcase our work in person once more to whisky fans from around the world. 

“The limited-edition release is an intriguing mix of characteristics, picking up our signature maritime style and the rich sticky sweetness from the Pedro Ximénès hogsheads. It is a liquid that has been crafted by our talented team and is a fantastic dram to enjoy while soaking up Campbeltown and all it has to offer.”

New for this year’s Malts Festival, Glen Scotia will also unveil an exhibition focusing on its distillery’s place in Campbeltown. Scottish artist in residence, Alice Angus, has been visiting the town since January  getting to know the people and community, the landscape and the inner workings of the distillery for her ‘Spirit Safe’ exhibition, a collection of artworks, which will be revealed on 25th May.

Like whisky production, Alice’s technique involves patience, time and experimentation. She uses pencil, watercolour and ink to draw from life, spending a long time observing her surroundings through sight,
sound, smell and touch, drawing similarities with the time and craftsmanship required in whisky production.

To find out more visit www.glenscotia.com

Tasting notes:

Nose: Signature Glen Scotia maritime scents with notes of gentle peat smoke, vanilla, fresh apples and pears.
Taste: Silky treacle, spicy white pepper, sweet fruits and salted toffee – a delightful balance of spice interwoven with the sherry cask influence.
Finish: Gentle coastal influencer and delicious lightly floral honey.

About Glen Scotia

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the unique Campbeltown maritime style the brand has become world-famous for. In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. In addition to this, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards, an accolade it received just seven months after being crowned as the ‘Best in Show.’

Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts
Instagram: @glenscotiamalts
Facebook: @GlenScotiaWhisky

‘The Pioneers Experience’ to take centre stage at The Macallan Estate this summer

The Macallan Estate has announced the return of its spectacular immersive theatre experience, as the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to tell the story of its rich heritage through live performance.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience theatrical journey explores The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate, bringing to life notable characters from The Macallan’s illustrious history who have informed the Estate’s past and played a role in shaping its future.

Launching on Saturday 16 July and running until Sunday 7 August, and available to book now, this exclusive outdoor experience delves into The Macallan’s heritage and depicts the dedication to incomparable craftmanship and creativity, whisky-making process and pursuit of uncompromised excellence which The Macallan is renowned for.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience transports guests back in time to be met by some of the most notable characters from the distillery’s history, including Captain John Grant. A pioneer in The Macallan’s story, Captain Grant realised the potential of Easter Elchies Estate in 1700; the land that has been home to The Macallan Distillery since 1824.

These characters and their stories are shared through a promenade theatre experience on the banks of the River Spey, moving through time and transporting guests to rarely-seen locations throughout the Estate.

Theatre-goers can enjoy a picnic lunch with pioneers Roderick and Katherine Kemp, who took over The Macallan Distillery in 1892. Guests also have the opportunity to meet Janet Harbinson, who guided The Macallan through trial and tribulation in the early 1900s.

As part of the experience, guests will explore The Macallan Estate while savouring special drams of The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky along the way.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is brought to life through the talents of professional actresses and actors.

Stuart Cassells, General Manager at The Macallan Estate, said:

“The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is one of the most exciting events in our calendar, and we’re proud to announce its return for 2022. Last summer’s run was a huge success, with plenty of fun along the way, and we’re sure this year will be no exception.

“There is no finer way to delve into our fascinating heritage here at The Macallan, with the help of Debora Weston and a team of extraordinary actors from across Scotland.

“Debora is perhaps best known for her work in films including Patriot Games and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and we’re honoured that she has written our theatre play for The Macallan Pioneers Experience. It’s a privilege to see her vision come to life on the banks of the River Spey, right here at The Macallan Estate.”

As part of the exclusive, three-hour experience, guests will explore areas of The Macallan Distillery not usually open to the public, including Warehouse No 7, one of The Macallan’s oldest traditional dunnage warehouses.

Located amidst breath-taking natural landscapes in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan Estate is a world-leading hospitality destination.

Home to every bottle of The Macallan’s incomparable single malt whisky since 1824, the serene countryside estate offers much more than just a whisky experience, with fine-dining, private shopping and fishing all available on site.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is priced at £70 per guest and is available to book for a limited period, taking place twice daily each Saturday and Sunday, running from Saturday 16 July until Sunday 7 August 2022 inclusive.  All experiences must be booked in advance with The Macallan Estate team.

To book an experience, please visit www.themacallan.com/en/the-macallan-estate-pioneers-experience.

For further information, visit www.themacallan.com or contact estate@themacallan.com.

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single malt whiskies. Their outstanding quality and distinctive character reveal the uncompromised excellence pursued by The Macallan since it was established by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan opened a new chapter in its history with the launch of its award-winning Speyside distillery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which is The Macallan’s spiritual home and remains the heartbeat of The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

Karen Somerville (left) and Helen Kerr (right) of Angels’ Share Glass meet film star Karen Gillan at the NYC Tartan Day Parade

SCOTS BUSINESS LEADERS JOIN NEW YORK TARTAN DAY PARADE

Proud Scots from a whisky-related glassmaking firm joined Hollywood star Karen Gillan at New York’s famous Tartan Day Parade.

Karen Somerville and Helen Kerr from Stirling-based Angels’ Share Glass sported the firm’s bespoke Whisky and Water Tartan as they marched along 6^th Avenue to cheers from New Yorkers.

The pair also met Marvel actress and fellow Scot Karen Gillan, the Parade’s Grand Marshal, and gifted her one of the company’s signature line of glass angels filled with whisky to remind her of home.

Inverness-born Karen began her career in television starring in Doctor Who and Rebus before making her Hollywood breakthrough and achieving global recognition for her roles in Jumanji and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Karen Somerville, Managing Director of Angels’ Share Glass, said: “Spending Tartan Week in New York was a dream come true and a lifelong ambition for me and taking part in the Parade was quite surreal.

“It was an amazing experience to walk through Manhattan along with more than 2,000 lovers of all things Scottish and get waves and cheers from New Yorkers as we showed off our tartan banner.

“Having the chance to meet Karen Gillan made the whole experience even more memorable and she was delighted to receive one of our whisky angels.

“She was lovely and said she was pleased to have something to remind her of home.”

Karen and Helen, the firm’s Customer Service Manager, travelled to New York as part of a trade mission aimed at forging new transatlantic links between Scottish and US businesses.

They spent Tartan Week liaising with US retailers, showcasing their products and enjoying the various festivities including a Ceilidh.

Angels’ Share Glass was among 14 Scottish companies selected to travel to New York on a trade mission run by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Scottish Business Network and Visit Scotland.

FVCC President Lynn Blaikie said: “We were delighted that Forth Valley Chamber member Angels’ Share Glass were part of the trade mission.

“They took centre stage along with 13 other exciting and innovative Scottish businesses who flew the flag very high for Scotland! 

“The New York mission aimed to help Scottish businesses establish new trade links and meaningful partnerships in the US. This was certainly the case with the delegation who never stopped and had back-to-back meetings from the moment they touched down on American soil. 

“Karen and her team, along with the rest of the delegation, were all fantastic ambassadors for Scotland and took New York by storm with their enthusiasm and determination to maximise their time on the mission and make as many business connections as possible. 

“I am immensely proud of every business in the delegation and know we have done Scotland proud and will see many of their products on US shelves shortly.” 

During the trade mission, business owners from the companies, which included Ardgowan Distillery, Ochil Fudge Pantry and Quirky Chocolate, took part in meetings and networking sessions with US retailers.

Angels’ Share Glass also had the chance to showcase their creations, which include handmade whisky water droppers, in a display at a Scotland House pop-up and an exhibition at New York’s Glasgow Caledonian University campus. 

Mrs Somerville said: “The trade delegation was a fantastic opportunity for Scottish business owners to forge connections with American retailers and business leaders. 

“The mission was well organised by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and gave us the opportunity to extend awareness of our brand. 

“We also met people from several organisations, including the St Andrews Society and New York Distilling Company, who I hope we will be able to develop future business relationships with.”

Angels’ Share Glass specialises in crafting whisky-based gifts and launched in 2013 with the creation of handmade glass angels filled with the ‘Angels’ Share’ of whisky.

Last year, the family firm created its own tartan – Whisky and Water by Angels’ Share Glass – which reflects the glassmakers’ story and is used to complement its products.

For more information, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Noble Oak Commits to Plant 1M Trees by 2023

Award-winning Whiskey Brand Celebrates Earth Month by Planting Two Trees for Every Bottle Sold Through  Partnership with One Tree Planted 

New York, NY (April 21, 2022) – Noble Oak, an award-winning whiskey brand with a noble heart, celebrates Earth Month in partnership with One Tree Planted by doubling down on its efforts to revitalize the planet by planting trees. From now through the end of June, Noble Oak will plant two trees for every bottle of Noble Oak sold. Through the partnership, Noble Oak has so far committed to plant close to 600,000 trees, driving projections to plant 1 million trees by the end of 2023.

“Noble Oak was founded on two principles– great whisky and giving back to the communities in which we live and work,” comments Jack Bauer, Brand Manager, Noble Oak. “Our inspiration is the mighty oak tree and what better way to give back to the planet than through planting trees in communities across the United States.”

Since 2017, Noble Oak has worked with One Tree Planted to plant trees in areas of need around the country. The program’s efforts have spanned from the Redwood Forest in California to Detroit, Michigan, to the Finger Lakes in New York, and everywhere in between. The planting projects are chosen along with local tree-planting organizations that best understand the specific needs of each community.

“Loss of forests means loss of species so it’s critically important to work tirelessly to reforest the planet,” said Ashley Lamontagne, Forest Campaign Manager, One Tree Planted. “Noble Oak understands that and we are thrilled to partner with them in getting trees planted in the ground which in turn protects our planet for future generations.”

According to One Tree Planted, Trees help clean air, filter water, and provide habitats for more than 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Additionally, forests provide jobs to more than 1.6 billion people, absorb harmful carbon from the atmosphere, and are key ingredients in 25% of all medicines.

To find out exactly where trees have been planted as a result of this partnership visit Noble Oak’s tree tracker on Nobleoak.com. 

Noble Oak

Noble Oak is an award-winning whiskey brand with a noble heart; every bottle plants a tree in partnership with One Tree Planted, an organization dedicated to sustainably reforesting our Earth’s green spaces. Noble Oak’s whiskeys are double oak matured – first aging in Charred New American White Oak barrels followed by a unique WoodCraft® finishing that delivers unrivaled body and flavor. Its Double Oak Bourbon is finished using Spanish Sherry Oak Cask Staves, offering notes of vanilla and dried fruit, whereas its Double Oak Rye whiskey is finished using Port Wine Oak Cask Staves, eliciting notes of toffee and allspice.

About One Tree Planted

One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more, visit onetreeplanted.org

WhistlePig launches ‘No History No Rules’ inaugural UK cocktail competition

WhistlePig Rye Whiskey has launched its first ever UK cocktail competition, inviting bartenders across the country to explore the wonderful world of Rye whiskey.

The ‘No History No Rules’ competition has been borne out of WhistlePig’s ideology to rip up the rye rulebook and push the limitations of the category, rather than replicating what has been done in the past.

The inaugural competition is inviting bartenders to enter their cocktail creations that don’t conform to the norm, with the only rule being that WhistlePig 10 Year Old should feature in the recipe.

There will be five regional heats to the competition in London, Scotland, northern and southern regions and the midlands, with the final taking place on Monday 4^th July in London. The top scoring three contestants will all win a place on a superb VIP trip to Vermont to visit the home of WhistlePig later in the year, as well as receiving a special bottling from the distillery team in person. The overall winner will also receive a bottle of The Boss Hog VIII – WhistlePig’s stunning limited-edition Rye whiskey.

Dan Priseman, WhistlePig’s UK and European Steward of the brand said: “We are very excited to be launching our first ever WhistlePig Rye Whiskey cocktail competition for the UK and are hoping bartenders up and down the country will rip up the rule book and be as creative and trail-blazing as possible with their cocktail creations!”

“In the true spirit of WhistlePig, we will be celebrating the most unusual and inspiring drinks that bartenders can come up with – nothing is off the table and the only limit is your imagination.”

The competition is being hosted in partnership with BarLifeUK to help drive entries and raise awareness of the opportunity directly to the bartending community. Entrants have until 15^th May to submit their cocktail concepts online, before the regional heats begin later in May.

To find out more about the WhistlePig ‘No History No Rules’ cocktail competition or to enter online, visit HERE

A bit about WhistlePig Rye Whiskey:

On the 500-acre farm in Vermont where the distillery is located, the creative distilling team has reimagined what rye whisky could be, from finishing their 12 Year Old World Rye in a combination of wine casks, to having barrels custom made from their own Vermont oak trees to add depth of flavour to the 15 Year Old. Experimentation and innovation are at the heart of the distillery’s ethos and all the award-winning whiskies that they produce.

BONHAMS TO OFFER THE RAREST OF FINE JAPANESE WHISKY: YAMAZAKI 50-YEAR-OLD FIRST RELEASE

From left) Yamazaki 55-Year-Old. Estimate: HK$4,000,000-5,000,000. Yamazaki 50-Year-Old First Release Estimate: HK$3,500,000-4,500,000. Yamazaki 35-Year-Old. Estimate: HK$1,000,000-1,300,000.

The Yamazaki 50-Year-Old First Release is considered the king of Japanese whisky for many reasons. In 2005 when it first hit the market, it was the oldest edition ever produced by the famed Yamazaki distillery. There were only 50 bottles from the first release, many of which ended up in local whisky bars within Japan, where bottles after bottles were opened and enjoyed over the years. After breaking the auction record twice in 2018 and 2019, the Yamazaki 50-Year-Old First Release has now become the rarest of fine Japanese whisky, with what is believed to be no more than a dozen of them still existing in the market. An outstanding example of this ultra-rare whisky will be offered at Bonhams Fine and Rare Whisky Sale in Hong Kong on 20 May 2022. It has an estimate of HK$3,500,000-4,500,000.

Yamazaki distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, was Japan’s first commercial whisky distillery. There is a total of three editions of 50-year-old Yamazaki. The first edition was bottled in 2005, the second in 2007 and the third in 2011.

Yamazaki 50-Year-Old First Release Estimate: HK$3,500,000-4,500,000.

Christopher Pong, Head of Sale at Bonhams Wine and Whisky Department, commented: “The first edition of Yamazaki 50-Year-Old is always eagerly sought after by collectors. I am expecting a lot of interest.”

The Yamazaki 50-Year-Old First Release is now the second-oldest expression by the distillery, just after the 55-Year-Old released – in 100 bottles – and set the new auction record for a single bottle of Japanese whisky at Bonhams in 2020 for HK$6,200,000. Another bottle of Yamazaki 55-Year-Old, including a miniature 50ml sample, will be offered in the May sale, with an estimate of HK$4,000,000-5,000,000.

Apart from Japanese whisky, the sale also spotlights an eclectic Scotch collection from one of Asia’s leading whisky collectors – Aaron Chan. Also the owner of the eminent Club Qing which has for years served as a destination whisky bar of Asia, Aaron from Hong Kong is now offering his personal collection of Scotch whisky in more than 220 lots. This is considered to be the most eclectic and extensive single-owner collection of old and rare Scotch to come to the market. Highlights include: 

Bowmore 1955 in Ceramic Jug. One of the most iconic Bowmore with only 100 half-bottles ever produced. Estimate: HK$150,000-200,000

Tormore Samaroli-1966. An ultra-rare and prestigious sherry-wooded whisky from the legendary Italian bottler. Estimate: HK$180,000-250,000

Laphroaig Osteria Apostoli-1970-#4367. Arguably the best Laphroaig ever produced. Estimate: HK$180,000-250,000

Christopher Pong commented: “Bonhams’ long-standing rapport with Aaron Chan is founded on our shared vision to develop whisky collecting in Asia. After a momentous sale of Club Qing’s Hanyu Full Card Series in 2020, which set a new auction record for a collection of Japanese whisky, Aaron has now consigned with us his personal Scotch collection, offering many old bottlings from 1950s through the 60s, all in pristine condition. It is rare to have a private Asian Scotch collection to come to the global market, and this is surely one to watch out for.” 

Fine and Rare Whisky, Featuring Aaron Chan’s Spectacular Scotch Whisky Collection

20 May 2022Bonhams Hong Kong, 20/F, One Pacific Place, Admiralty.

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, motor cars and a luxury division, including jewellery, watches, wine and whisky. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

“Forgotten” Macallan cask expected to fetch world-record price

A rare “forgotten” cask of Macallan 1988, bought for just £5,000, is expected to set a world record price as it opens for bids on specialist whisky auction site, Whisky Hammer.

Originally filled on 5^th May 1988, the 374 litre refill butt has been held in bond at The Macallan Distillery for almost 34 years and is expected to break the record set in 2021 by Bonham’s for the sale of a 30-year-old re-racked Sherry hogshead from Macallan, which fetched $574,000. The ongoing Whisky Hammer April auction, which includes more than 2,000 lots, is live until Sunday 24^th April at 7pm (BST).

The Macallan cask seller, an ex-pat who bought the cask on a whim over three decades ago, had forgotten about it until reminded by Macallan that it remained maturing in the warehouse.

Bids for the incredibly rare cask have already reached $170,000 since the auction went live, with prices expected to soar in the coming days. The team at Whisky Hammer anticipates a global bidding war for the rare cask which, if bottled today, would yield 534 x 70cl bottles of 33 year old Macallan.

Daniel Milne, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Whisky Hammer, said: “Casks of this age and size are extremely rare, especially from The Macallan. This is, without doubt, one of the most exciting casks we’ve seen come to auction in recent years and we expect it to set a new world record by the time the auction closes on Sunday.”

For further information or to register interest, visit whiskyhammer.com

Notes

Whisky Hammer is a family run whisky auction service founded by brothers and keen whisky enthusiasts Daniel and Craig Milne, who are supported by a team of passionate experts acting as trusted advisors to both buyers and sellers.

Whisky Hammer’s monthly auctions bring a range of desirable, rare and collectable bottles to market for buyers, alongside offering a hassle-free premium service for those looking to sell. As a truly global auctioneer with offices in the UK and Hong Kong, Whisky Hammer can deliver whisky and represent sellers worldwide, investing heavily in the safest warehouses on the market to store prized bottles appearing at auction.

The superior service offered by Whisky Hammer means it is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent whisky collectors and sellers, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.

For more information, visit whiskyhammer.com.

Holyrood Distillery to Introduce Two New Strong Waters to UK Market

This Spring, Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery is set to introduce two ‘Strong Waters’ into the UK market. Launching in April, the new varieties, named Charmed Circle, are the magnificent results of Holyrood’s experimentation with heritage barleys and their progressive approach to spirit-making.

Fuelled by a passion for Edinburgh’s brewing past and the land that surrounds the distillery, Nick Ravenhall and Marc Watson set about trialling some of the UK’s most famed barley varieties, as well as digging deep to explore the very water that is found under the city. Drawing on Scotland’s native drinking culture around white spirits, Holyrood has categorised these spirits as ‘Strong Waters’ which is an archaic name, usually referring to any alcoholic liquids that were not being set aside as aqua vitae.

For centuries distillers have focused on a barley’s efficiency rather than its flavour, and as a result so many of Britain’s most popular barleys have been abandoned over time in favour of higher yielding varieties. By examining other properties and potential of heritage barley varieties such as Golden Promise and Chevalier, Holyrood’s team soon discovered the innate and powerful flavours, textures and aromas they could produce.

Holyrood distilled these barleys as part of their signature single malt new make and then blended them with neutral grain spirit, intensifying the flavours of the barleys, whilst also developing their richness and mouthfeel, creating texture in the resulting spirits. These innovative liquids aim to bring flavour back to the white spirit sector, to be enjoyed neat and in longer mixed drinks.

While Scotland’s capital has an established brewing history, not many modern spirit makers are utilising the city’s terroir and high-quality water supply that once powered brewing in the city. The very name of the new Strong Waters refers to a collection of wells situated around Arthur’s Seat. Known as the ‘Charmed Circle,’ this cluster of wells supplied the flourishing brewing community the city once held, with some of the wells and water aquifer still in use underneath the distillery today.

Heritage barley connects the liquid with the land in the same way as wine relates to its terroir. The two expressions reveal interesting facets of the cityscape, the brewers that came before and the season in which they were developed. The Golden Promise is a classic British spring barley variety that was the dominant variety in Scotland during the 1970s, whilst Chevalier also dominated the English brewing crop for around 60 years. Holyrood aims to bring these barleys back to their former glory, highlighting barley as a key flavour component in white spirit making.

Tasting Notes

Golden Promise: Comprises 15% Golden Promise – New Make Spirit + 85% GNS + water
– N. Bright, citrus, lemon zest, refreshing orange blossom
– B. Clean, mouthcoating, lemon blossom lift
– F. Clean, gentle, moreish

Chevalier: Comprises 15% Chevalier – New Make Spirit + 85% GNS + water
– N. Creamy, butter, digestive biscuit
– B. Rich, mouthcoating, churned cream and butter
– F. Long rich, moreish

Holyrood’s spirit making ethos remains the same, to share their making journey, inspired by the city which makes them as a team and the liquids they produce.
Charmed Circle’s RRP is £34.99 and will be available from April 2022.
www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk
@holyrooddistillery

Ross & Squibb Distillery releases Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof

Annual, limited-release straight rye whiskey, now featuring a 7-year age statement 

ST. LOUIS (April 12, 2022) – Lawrenceburg, Indiana-based Ross & Squibb Distillery announced the launch of Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof, its annual, limited-release straight-rye whiskey. Set to reach retail shelves across the country starting this month, this limited allocation of 3,000 six-pack cases was bottled at 117.2 proof (58.6% ABV) and has a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof features a medley of straight-rye mash bills, distilled by one of the largest producers of rye whiskey in America – Ross & Squibb Distillery. The flavor profile includes an aroma of rye spice, vanilla, caramel, oak, and slight chocolate; forward flavors of sweet caramel and vanilla, moving to baking spices and chocolate; and a lingering finish of rye and a hint of sweet mint.

There were 82 barrels selected for this year’s release, which is displayed on each bottle of Rossville Union Barrel Proof. And for the first time, every bottle prominently features a 7-year age statement.

“Rossville Union 2022 Barrel Proof is another example of the great rye-whiskey tradition we’ve carried on at Ross & Squibb Distillery and yet another reason Indiana is the rye capital of the world,” said Ian Stirsman, master distiller at Ross & Squibb distillery. “As the popularity of rye whiskey continues to grow, we’ve selected another exceptional medley of rye mash bills to satisfy even the most discriminating tastes among the ever-growing numbers of rye-whiskey drinkers.”

The award-winning Rossville Union Family of brands also includes a 94 Proof offering – Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey, which has a suggested retail price of $39.99. 

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.